While the sound of Acid Tongue is a bit looser than Lewis' debut (Rabbit Fur Coat) and certainly a distant relative to her work with Rilo Kiley, the centerpiece of the new album is, again, her vocal prowess. Lewis jumps with ease between voices that in one instance exhibit the elegance of Dusty Springfield while at other times the grit and attitude of Lucinda Williams.

Standouts are not hard to find on Acid Tongue. The title track laments "unlucky love" with a chilling wall of church-like harmonies at each turn. "Carpetbaggers" is a jumpy and excitable collaboration with Elvis Costello, a must listen. And clocking in just less than 9 minutes, "The Next Messiah", is a 3-part adventure that Lewis embarks on with songwriting partner Johnathan Rice.

Simply put, Acid Tongue is more entertaining than Rabbit Fur Coat. Lewis is more confident in her approach and the results are quite disarming.

Written by Mike Vasilikos, Asst. Music Director