The Mary Janes

Flame burns with passion and a fitting mix of guitars, violin, drums and lilting vocals. The Mary Janes' second release is more than just smoke.\nFourteen tracks spin the story of life, love and independence from a woman's perspective. Yet the album does not succumb to the obnoxious, overly feminist tendencies of many folksy female musicians. Janas Hoyt's songs are truthful and clear. The lyrics are sung with confidence but not an attitude. \nHoyt's voice oscillates between comfort and conflict. One moment it wraps the listener in soul, the next it pierces with anguish. \nThe Mary Janes' instrumentals complement Hoyt in every way. With the inclusion of steel and slide guitars, violin and viola to the normal setup, Flame is unique. These typically country instruments are thrown in without the twang. \nViolinist Heather Craig and violinist/violist Kathy Kolata are two of the best aspects of Flame. These stringed excursions are one of the album's main sources of heat. They take beautiful instruments and give them spirit while creating a swaying sound. \nOpening track "Junie Moon" is insightful and sung with a mild smile. With the lines Morning Comes/To those who wait, Hoyt and the band start the CD with a knowing hope that doesn't let down.\nThis Bloomington-based band has created a worthy collection of acoustic tunes that deserves a listen. Flame is no sophomoric letdown.