Misstress Barbara — I'm No Human

I'm No Human

MapleMusic/Universal

Scott Bryson (CHARTattack)

05/08/2009 4:46pm

It's interesting that Mistress Barbara chose the title I'm No Human to signify her first emergence from behind a set of turntables. The Montrealer has plenty of experience kicking ass as a DJ, but this disc marks her primary steps into the life of an "artist" who creates music rather than mixes it.

Barbara doesn't do much to excite vocally, but she brings along a few guest singers to spice things up. Peter Bjorn And John's Bjorn Yttling, Sam Roberts and Brazilian Girls each guest on a track.

Sonically, what Barbara has crafted is engaging, but not spectacular. It's the same sort of groovy electronic pop that GusGus and Fischerspooner have been making as of late. Things can get a little hokey from time to time, like on the cover of Leonard Cohen's "Dance Me To The End Of Love," but the words are meant to play second fiddle to the music.