White Widow

A Psychological Thriller

Billed as “an original motion picture soundtrack,” White Widow’s fourth album, A Psychological Thriller, connects the dots of its 10 songs with a vague narrative about overcoming emotional trauma. Like most concept LPs, however, no understanding of the storyline is required. Each song stands on its own, and whether that stance is firm or wobbly depends on the track. The local songwriter/multi-instrumentalist – Carla Patullo to her mom – sounds solid and focused on the steady rocker “Trophy Girl,” stirring ballad “Something About Paradise,” and moody anthem “Wandering Eye.” But “Serial Love Affair” veers unsteadily between rousing folk rock and gothic bombast, “Miss You Bad” gets lost in a poetic but meaningless chorus, and “Promises” threatens to spill over into Florence + the Machine-style melodrama. It doesn’t help that the incipient pout in Patullo’s voice begins to grate as the album spins. Her talent is undeniable, but it sounds like she’s still learning to temper her more dubious instincts.

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This article appears in June 29 • 2012.

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Michael Toland started writing about music in 1988 on the Gulf Coast, moved to Austin in early 1991, and has inflicted bylines upon the corporeal and digital pages of Pop Culture Press, The Big Takeover, Blurt, Amplifier, Austin.citysearch, the Austin American Statesman, Goldmine, Sleazegrinder, Rock & Roll Globe, High Bias, FHT Music Notes, and, since 2011, The Austin Chronicle.