Jenee Halstead

"Jenee Halstead’s sweet and seductive sway takes full flight on this, the third effort of a still burgeoning career. “So Far So Fast” takes on a rock ‘n’ roll twang, but it’s the exception in this set; most of the songs are cloaked in a dark atmospheric veil that renders them with gothic-like designs. The effect often sounds like Appalachian mountain music propelled with a techno pulse, but Halstead pulls it off superbly, given the saunter and sway of “Building You An Altar,” the sprawling strum of “Rodeo of Sadness” and the gentle cushioning embrace of the mysterious “Bitten By the Night.” Through it all, Halstead’s vocal is a wonder to behold, alternately enticing and alluring, or sinewy and seductive. This is an album that’s mesmerizing throughout, and whether her voice is heard soaring over the clip-clop pulse of the title track or simply in a sensual croon on the pleading “Never Another,” Halstead’s presence is nothing less than hypnotic. Consequently Raised By Wolves shows she’s been brought up right."