Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *

To meet Susan Hedges is to admire her. To listen to her remarkable voice on her album Kiss My Attitude is to understand that admiration is one thing, but to recognise and fully appreciate the driving force that pushes this extraordinary woman to make such great music, music that is tinged and immersed fully with depth and a burning anger.

The overwhelming message that should be taken from the album is to let other dictate to you what you are ever capable of achieving, not to let them they say that just because you suffer from x or y means you will amount to nothing. This is a woman who doesn’t take that type of negativity to heart, certainly the thought of giving it short shrift, barely the moment’s notion of entertaining such boring ideology is almost alien to her. This independent and spirited woman’s thoughts are woven through the very fabric of the album and within the lines of every song.

The opening sentence of the title track frames neatly how to approach the album, not with care but with respect as Susan belts out the introductory song. Kiss her attitude indeed, it’s a great maxim and to be saluted as she takes no prisoners through some incredible moments of lyrical repose including on the songs White Water, the fantastic The Queen of Self Infliction, Don’t Come Back To Me, The Trouble With Trouble and the feral like beauty of Imaginary Lovers. It is not just the lyrical content but the savage beauty in which she drives the point home, the quality of her sensational voice also betrays the hint of exasperated unrestrained ferocity. A simple joy should be taken in relishing this powerful music.

Kiss My Attitude strikes a blow for those who refuse to be put in a square box with every label neatly attached to it, an impressive album by a very talented individual and one that everybody should sing along to.

Ian D. Hall