Val Kinzler’s Résumé is rich musically, lyrically and vocally complex. As such it is wonderful, painful, emotive and original. The songs on this CD are deep and laden with intrigue; Résumé isn’t easy listening pabulum for idiots. If you like Tom Waits, Patty Smith, Screamin' Jay Hawkins, Pink Floyd, Warren Zevon, or Loudon Wainwright III, then Val Kinzler’s Résumé will be right up your alley. That being said, don’t expect Résumé to fit neatly into some previous mold of classic rock, pop, blues or punk, because it doesn’t. The tapestry in Résumé combines a complex musical labyrinth that may be best described as a dramatic rock opera cabaret.

The ink splatters on the CD jacket are reminiscent of Ralph Steadman’s illustrations for Hunter Thompson’s Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. As Kinzler’s lyrics on “A Place Like This” describe being “broke in Vegas” its hard to think that despite the obvious images of New York City this is mere coincidence.

Opening with “Heart Of Hearing,” Résumé engages a vocal style and lyrics that are reminiscent of some of Tom Waits’ darkest moments on Bone Machine or Blood Money. The harsh images Kinzler’s lyrics evoke are well matched with the music her growling vocals, which at times float into soaring highs and then bring the listener right back to the nitty gritty.

“A Place Like This,” could easily be the background music for a scene in a Quentin Tarantino film. The song starts with simple guitar work and a talking style that leads listeners into the darkness of mental illness. As the song progresses the music gets richer and its lyrics go to the heart of insanity with a clarity that colludes with an outstanding vocal delivery that is all over the map: sweet highs, dangerous lows, and a quavering vibrato.

The title cut, “Résumé” is heavy, hard edged piece which vents spleen. Yeah, it’s an angry rocker about a painful issue that might resonate well with anyone who is unemployed or underemployed. Beyond that, though, Kinzler’s lyrics may resonate well with any woman who has been hurt through sexist discrimination.

“Broken Ballerina” expands upon the tragedy of Monica Beerle, the Swiss dancer who was murdered by “the butcher of the East Village.” Moving from a conversation over a sweet sounding classical piano which sets the stage, the song becomes a blues based story about drugs and sick relationships. As it does, Kinzler provides an empathetic framework for any woman who has ever been beaten or abused and yet yearns for the pain involved in a sick relationship as she growls “I’m perfectly imperfect” and sweetly sings “I miss your kisses.”

“Angel” is a love song. Love, loss, wanting: “Angel” is a song with themes as old as time.

“The Junky Next Door” sets the stage with dark urban dangerous and scary images overlaid on top of a tense musical background in a minor key. It’s an eerie tune, to say the least, one where Kinzler’s fierce growl and soaring vibrato carry the message as strongly as the disturbing lyrics.

“Genius,” is one of the strongest songs on the album, it demonstrates both very strong lyrical and musical writing skills, as well as a powerful vocal performance. Kinzler certainly isn’t a “fraud of anything.” “Genius,” is marred slightly by “smart ass” at the end of the song, but that and the fact that the tracks on the CD are out of order from what’s printed are my only negative comments on an tremendous creative effort by an artist that deserves big stages and a wide audience.

“Love Won’t Break” is a song of love and loss. In many ways, the song reminds me of music made by Phil Spector’s wall of sound. It brings tears to my eyes. Anytime music moves me to that much of an emotional response, that’s great stuff.

Résumé closes with “The Last Suffer.” The song has a Pink Floyd feel, mixing rock opera with dramatic guitar work. It fills the ears and leaves space, an important combination in composition that many musicians blow right by on the way to their next note. Kinzler’s complex lyrics work well with the vocals she provides, and the music creates a sense of drama that is hard to miss. This powerful song is a tremendous performance.

Once again, Val Kinzler’s Résumé is rich musically, lyrically and vocally complex. This is an intriguing, well woven tapestry that needs to be heard.

Review by Ainsworth Hunt Rating: 4.8 Stars (out of 5)

1. Heart of Hearing

2. A Place Like This

3. Broken Ballerina

4. Resume

5. Angel

6. The Junky Next Door

7. Genius

8. Love Won’t Break

9. The Last Suffer