Martha Wainwright

Coming from what some dub as musical royalty, Martha Wainwright has just a little bit of musical pedigree in her family. She’s the product of folk icons Loudon Wainwright III and Kate McGarrigle. Oh yeah, and her brother happens to be successful songwriter and critical darling Rufus Wainwright, who joins her, singing background vocals on "The Maker.” So, where does Martha fit in? She takes the brashness of her brother and carves out her own soulful slice in the pop landscape. Following up her critically acclaimed EP, Bloody Mother Fucking Asshole, released last fall, this self-titled debut will make music buffs wonder where this songbird was hibernating. With a supple, ethereal voice, Martha meanders and moans her way through 13 tracks that range from the Celtic infused "Wither May I Wander” to Ani-DiFranco like anthems. The title cut from her EP is relived here and this tune showcases the songwriter’s brutal honesty; with these four words there’s no question the hatred she feels in this cathartic tune, which opens with the gut-wrenching "Poetry has no place for a heart that’s a whore.” As this song illustrates, this debut disc delves into the songsmith’s psyche and leaves nothing out — baring her soul and releasing her demons that include fears and frustrations, highs and lows.