Altarnative Reviews

Santa Barbara-based songwriter Jessica Peters took a year off from what she termed “the girlie-folk life” to record “Blue Cotton Skin” --- an ephemeral ensemble of nine space-agey tracks --- under the moniker Petracovich. Stylistically similar to music by Portishead or Morcheeba, Peters’ lilting voice is accented by light keyboards and soft electronic effects. Her vocal sensitivity and songwriting sensibility, however, are more akin to Aimee Mann’s. The basic guitar chords and folk roots are still evident in Petracovich’s debut, but the finished product is highly polished and has about as much in common with Ani Difranco as the Ritz-Carlton does with Motel 6.

Unfortunately for Ms. Peters, this isn’t exactly radio-friendly music, and is likely to stay underground. This kind of songwriting doesn’t lend itself to catchy melodies or oversimplified beats. It’s introverted and shy, intensely emotional and deeply delicate. This album demands intimacy – both in the listening environment and in the listener. --- Alicia L. Koledin