Dejha Colantuono
Tea & Vodka (Mad Meow)
By Kelley Hecker
Published: August 27th, 2009 | 7:00am
The name Dejha Colantuono may not ring a bell, but this New York native has been a key player in the Seattle music scene for well over a decade. The singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist fronted bands including 3-D S&M, the Pin-Ups, Rotten Apples, and Ragazza. Now, Colantuono’s entering new territory with her solo debut, Tea & Vodka, 11 tracks that showcase her powerful pipes and eclectic taste.
Early highlight “Color Blue” features dueling synths and guitars and a chorus that finds her asking, “Do you believe dreams can come true?” Colantuono gets tough on the rocking “Anxiety” as she cautions, “I become my own worst enemy.” This track would appeal to devotees of Rotten Apples, and it wouldn’t be surprising if it roped in a new slew of fans, as well.
It’s difficult to categorize Tea & Vodka, as many of the tracks veer in different directions. There’s the dreamy, synth-driven gem “Fences” and the funky, mid-tempo pop number, “Feel You’re Going Nowhere.” Later, Colantuono reveals her softer side. On “Miss Fortune,” the vocalists harmonize “Everything will turn out just like you want it to” to a beautiful and uplifting effect.
“Second Sight,” a dance-punk number, feels a bit forced; however, closer “Poolside” more than makes up for that as Colantuono gives her most impressive vocal performance and a chorus that you can’t get out of your head. It’s the perfect end to a strong solo effort that should find Dejha Colantuono a wider audience and the attention she deserves.
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Issue #35
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IEP (over 2 years)
I love Dejha and think this review nails it pretty well. Except I would've gushed about all the songs. I just love her voice! She's touring right now: Fri., 9/11 at All Asia in Cambridge, MA Wed., 9/16 at Teatro ZinZanni in Seattle, WA Mon., 9/28 at TBA in San Francisco, CA Wed., 9/30 at El Cid in Los Angeles, CA Fri., 10/2 at Sunset Tavern in Seattle, WA Sat., 10/10 at Pink Room at Crash Mansion in New York, NY