(2010)
Agent Ribbons are the hardest working, most unique, and eclectic band you have never heard of. Starting several years back in Sacramento, California with Natalie on vocals, guitar, and accordion and Lauren on drums, percussion, and harmony, they now reside in Austin, Texas after gaining a third Ribbons Lady : Naomi on violin and "various odds and ends". Chateau Crone is the name of their fantastical eccentric old lady community, set up to support Riot Grrrl Grandmas to continue to thrive, riot not diet, and occasionally listen to Le Tigre and Liza Minnelli, free from society’s oppression of aged ladies.
Their music is a mixed media montage of genres spanning from Garage Rock to Riot Grrrl to Goth Victoriana to Punk Cabaret to Shangri-La’s style girl group creating a buffet of delectable audio treats. Their latest album is a patchwork quilt of styles, witticisms, genres, and eras. It starts with a crunchy, mod grrrl rock number slightly reminiscent of Quixotic (I’m Alright), instantly sucking the listener in with head-bobbing rhythms. Just when you think it’s going to be a straight-up garage rock album, it changes gears with the stand-out track Grey Gardens, paying homage to the film acknowledging the weird, witchy Ladies Beale. The song is reminiscent of early British Invasion-era Marianne Faithfull mixed with Broadcast at its mod best. Spooky bells stay spooky without being overdone. They keep their heads without falling into overly precious territory. It plays with a stripped-down, psychedelic sensibility. The introduction of violin to their repertoire really hits the high notes here, setting them apart from the more standard guitar, bass, drums outfit and adds the vital and necessary Punk Victorian sensibilities that give Agent Ribbons their unique edge.
Natalie’s strong and expressive voice is played to its ultimate advantage most notably in Dada Girlfriend a song that could easily be heard playing in the background for a Surrealist party hosted by Baroness Elsa von Freytag-Loringhoven. It echoes anachronistically, bittersweet and nostalgic, like a half-drunk glass of sparkling pink champagne smudged with lipstick traces. Beginning with a wicked accordion intro to a Weimar Berlin punk cabaret (I’ll Let You Be My Baby) gets down to brass tacks with the sassy refrain of "Good in bed, enough said". Pirate Jenny would approve. Lauren’s vivacious and creative drumming sets the backbone of a fine witch Sabbath ho-down. This is Feminist Brechtian Cabaret that you can sing along to with your girlfriend’s at the local Rockabilly Punk Club. Throughout the album perfectly arranged orchestral pop gems fly at you, with a surprise around every corner. Agent Ribbons rest comfortably side by side with the Dresden Dolls and Gogol Bordello. Punk Cabaret is freedom ! Viva Gypsy Witch Rock –N-Roll ! Now go out and get to know Agent Ribbons.