Poison & Snakes

Liz Janes is one peculiar singer. Brilliant and strange, odd and inviting, she never does what you might expect. Her debut album, Done Gone Fire, with Sufjan Stevens, was an eerie mix of tunes that mirrored ancient blues and spirituals. Her second album, Poison & Snakes, takes off in unexpected directions with a slew of special guests who know how to shift a performance. Trumpeter Jason Crane of Rocket From the Crypt adds a festive air, while drummer Tom Zinser of Pinback gives tunes such as “Streetfight” and “Wonderkiller“ a newfound drive. The title track plays like a grand piece of cinema. Where Janes’ debut had its raw moments, Poison & Snakes goes for the glitz and glamour of a big production. Janes’ confidence is clear. She sways through these songs with an assurance that allows her to follow her own quirky instincts. “Sets to Cleaning” and “Ocean” sound like a band stumbling over itself to get across the room. The vocal solemnity of “Vine” reaches into Janes’ own personal gospel bag before exploding into dynamic cacophony.