Converted Thieves

Texas-based Black Lipstick show a lot of promise and swagger on their debut, Converted Thieves, on Peek-a-Boo Records. Starting with the edgy toe-tapper "Voodoo Economics" and the murky grace of "Serpentz," the quartet immediately impresses with a confident, dedicated sound. Despite singer Phillip Niemeyer's limited vocal range, he strikes a chord with his uncanny grit and persistence. Guitarist Travis Higdon, drummer Elizabeth Nottingham, and bassist Steve Garcia round out the quartet. Appropriately compared to Television and the Fall, Black Lipstick's sound on Converted Thieves is both trashy and delicate, both sloppy and sincere. Niemeyer's lyrical bravado and vocal charisma are disarming and mesmerizing, especially on "Ease Back," on which Nottingham adds backing vocals. Higdon takes over the vocal reins on "Corporate Happy Hour," a rousing rocker. Black Lipstick is a true bar band, and songs like "Yesterday's Horoscope Was Right" and "Texas Women" have an undeniable live sound. "Self-Centered & Determined" rounds out the official album with restrained and off-kilter coolness. A bonus track concludes the disc. The album's multiple themes result in a well-rounded disc full of ups and downs. Recorded at Sweat Box Studios in Austin, TX, with Mike Vasquez, the disc was released in 2003.