To me, Margot Smith was always one of those artists you never heard, you only read about. Terrifically hip magazines like Q and Select would always compare records by an assortment of thoughtful rock songstresses to "the best that Margot Smith ever released." And I was always in the dark-- what was I missing? Finally, upon hearing Smith's latest release, Taste, I've realized what all the hype is about. I agree with the music critic big shots who write about Smith's unique angle on the new rock-- but I really can't agree with their need to compare her to any other contemporary female musicians.

One unarguable comparison that I can make is to some of the Church's better work. The opening track, "Hope," is clearly influenced by the guitar stylings of Churchmen Steve Kilby and Peter Koppes-- who, incidentally, appear on a number of tracks on the record. In fact, Immersion Records is the recently- launched record label run by Koppes. But this is no Church rip-off act. Smith injects a degree of subtlety into the lyrics, and her smooth vocal delivery sets the album apart from the rock mainstream.

"Profit" has an eerie reprimanding tone, with Smith's carefully controlled lyrics overtop. On this track, as on most others on the record, she evokes fear and awe in the listener. In a very quiet way, Smith pulls you in to her world of atmospheric emotional music.

Am I giving her too much credit on this one? Maybe, but it's a solid recording by a women who, despite constant comparisons, defies and will outlast all of them.

-Aparna Mohan