Kira Lynn Cain Issue #36

The Ideal Hunter (Evangeline)

By Dean Ramos
Published: August 1st, 2008 | 10:19am

Possessing the soul of a Sergio Leone western and the sex appeal of Rita Hayworth, Kira Lynn Cain’s The Ideal Hunter is the stuff of classic Hollywood. Whether it’s the smoky film noir vibe of “White As A Dove” or the Ennio Morricone-feel she gives “The Lone,” Cain's full-length debut could very well end up being the soundtrack to your next drive through the desert under a starry summer sky.

Standing out the most on Hunter are the tender, intimate numbers like the acoustic, string-laden “Good,” and the sultry, seductive “Arizona.” The songs that are under no circumstances to be listened to alone, however, are “The Strange Light” and “All The Mirrors Of The World.” While both are absolutely beautiful, these songs are clearly meant to be enjoyed by couples and any deviation from this intent will simply sour the experience.

With the notable exception of the previously mentioned “The Lone,” most of the other western-themed tracks — which make up almost half the disc — while moody and atmospheric, are for the most part forgettable. A fact apparent when the album ends on the rather disappointing thud of “Devil Are You?”

For the most part, Cain's time spent at the video store or on the couch watching Turner Classic Movies seems to have been well spent—with The Ideal Hunter, it's clear that this lady could easily be considered the Quentin Tarantino of pop music. — Dean Ramos