Perhaps better known as one half of The Dresden Dolls, Amanda Palmer's first solo effort takes a not unfamiliar path, keeping to the gothic baroque sound that made the Dresden Dolls so popular. It's a rare occasion when concept albums truly impress, but I'd really love to know: Who Killed Amanda Palmer?
On this rather morbid release, Palmer's voice cradles all the beauty and tragedy of a Shakespearean play but, for example, whether the madness portrayed in "Runs In The Family" is controlled or not is for the listener to decide. Anyone who knows the Dresden Dolls will recognise this as being one of Amanda Palmer's unique qualities.
"Ampersand" furthers the lyrical depth of the album, while "Oasis" is a shockingly misleading pop song. Ms Palmer certainly isn't afraid to take her imagination into places that others wouldn't dare go. Again, it has to be said that there are very few people making music like Amanda.
With musical contributions on hand from (among others) co-producer Ben Folds, East Bay Ray ( from the Dead Kennedys) and the wonderfully-titled Born Again Horny Men of Edinburgh, this album has presented Ms Palmer with the opportunity to prove that her talent extends beyond her role in the Dresden Dolls, and she has taken it!
Who Killed Amanda Palmer? is a haunting painting come to life for this is an album showing the many facets of beauty and darkness. It's funny that those two words should sit so nicely side-by-side.