Album Review: Kristin Diable, ‘Create Your Own Mythology’

Kristin Diable’s ‘Create Your Own Mythology’ is an absolute gem of a record. Right out of the gate, the first track is equal parts Dusty Springfield, Lissie, and Neko Case, bringing the best from those renowned artists to bear in one crazy-great piece. Next up, “Hold Steady” deploys a slinky, shuffling groove and stretches out toward Amy Winehouse and Duffy territory, and darn if it doesn’t pretty much get there. If the rest of the album cleared those two bars, ‘Create Your Own Mythology’ would be a real masterpiece. But the rest of the album falls just shy, leaving the set to settle for tags like ‘admirable effort,’ ‘remarkable debut,’ and, of course, ‘absolute gem.’

Still, after the pair of openers brings you to the edge of your seat, buckle on up for the ride to come. From “Time Will Wait” through the closer, these are well-crafted, superbly rendered tunes that do, in fact, create a certain mythology of their own. Even surrounded by and immersed in a world of her own making, it’s clear that Diable can sing. And she does so with not just her voice, but her heart and soul, as well — a skill sorely lacking in many of today’s more vigorous vocalists.

Producer Dave Cobb sure knows how to pick ’em. Cobb already has records by Jason Isbell, Sturgill Simpson, Nikki Lane, and Shooter Jennings in his portfolio, and Diable’s makes a fine addition.

‘Create Your Own Mythology’ is out now via Thirty Tigers. Available here.

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