Album Review: The Dames - The Dames

As the name suggests, three strong women – former pianist for Acuff's Rose, Kaye Louise Patterson, widely regarded bassist Rosie Westbrook, and the power behind the Dave Graney throne, Clare Moore – make smart and sometimes dark atmospheric music, with a touch of country falling in with some French noir, occasional flourishes of stately piano, and even some Astrud Gilberto Latinism – given the sheen of a soundtrack for an imaginary movie by the singular Barry Adamson. In its manner, it holds you just far enough away to see the style, while often appearing emotional and intimate.