Punk-poet Exene Cervenka—possessor one of the most wild, unrestrained voices of her generation, legendary co-lead vocalist for L.A. punk icons X—has turned her discordant yowl into a lilting, sweet Americana croon on her first solo album in over a decade.
On Somewhere Gone, Cervenka doesn’t come across as a punk rocker going soft—it’s apparent that she has an equal vocal affinity for gentle country-folk and a real love for the source material (one of the songs is a Carter Family classic).The rest are originals that wouldn’t sound out of place on an album from fellow country-folk revivalist Neko Case.
Cervenka’s comfort level with the sounds of Appalachia should come as no surprise: She’s been delving into the world of folk since X’s side project The Knitters began in 1982, and continued a fascination with country ditties throughout her solo career.
Somewhere Gone hits stores today, but since we love you and you love music, you can stream the full album below:
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This is SO GOOD! I’m a big X fan. Rare to hear such wonderful songs in this decade, they really pull you in and make you pay full attention. Will buy sometime!
Exene Cervenka is truly an American treasure. One of our most important artists working today.
She should be required listening to all !
Nice to hear a real voice with real instruments. Keeping it real. An American Treasure.
We are lucky to have a woman so talented, classy and lovely. I love the grittiness and rock of X, but I also highly appreciate the other side. Thank you Exene for making a beautiful record.