Killing Heidi
Reflector

By Dwayne Carter
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CD Stock Number: Warner B00004SPTI

 

  I have been really looking forward to this review. While I have the privilege to listen and review a lot of music, the new CD Reflector by the Australian group, Killing Heidi is my favorite so far this year.

I stumbled across their single, “Mascara” via one of the many MP3 websites propagating the net. I was hunting for MP3 files, to upload to my wife’s new MP3 player (the Sensory Science, Rave 2100…reviewed in this months ETM…check it out!).

I saw the name of the group, Killing Heidi, and became intrigued. I knew a girl named Heidi, and believe me…the last thing I wanted to do with her, was kill her!!

Anyway, Killing Heidi’s Reflector WILL be the CD to own this year. This Australian group is scheduled to hit the states this summer, and when they do….watch out!

A brief history of this new/old group?  OK?

Killing Heidi was “created” (if you will) by an Australian radio station in 1998. The brother/sister duo had been playing music for years, and won this radio sponsored talent show.  Wah Wah Music took them under their wings, and Killing Heidi was “born”. Killing Heidi is, Ella Hooper (lead vocals…. and just 16 years old guys…. so forget about it!), Brother Jesse Hooper (guitar), Adam Pedretti (drums) and Warren Jenkin (bass).

Reflector (recorded in eight months) is an excellent blend of Pop/Rock meets slash guitar. Reflector has such wonderful songwriting, that they can constantly blend all forms of music, at all different tempo’s…. in one song?!  While this may sound like gibberish when some lesser talents try this, Killing Heidi pulls it off with aplomb.

Reflector opens with the single, “Mascara” (which by the way, was nominated for, Best Single (Independent) at the recent MIC Awards -Music Industry Critics Awards).  “Mascara” begins with a mariah of guitar and synthesizer, then drops off into a nice Pop beat…just in time for the first lyrics. The lyrics, by the way are written mostly by sixteen year old Ella.

  "Boring and old
          Are the things you're told
          About the outside world
          An' just wearing black
          Won't take care of that
          Don't be stupid girl

                          You're down on your knees
                          Trying to appease
                          Somebody's mixed up statement
                          'Cause in not much time
                           Your beliefs are that lies
                           Will be left by the pavement"

That’s kinda’ deep for sixteen. And I thought Australia was like the Crocodile Dundee movies? It appears they are more like the Mad Max films!

Their second single “Weir” (which means an embankment or barrier….if you were wondering) is Killing Heidi’s second and very successful single (being nominated for Best Debut Single (Independent) at the same MIC Awards.  They DID win Best Album (Independent) and Best New Talent respectfully at the same award show, by the by.

“Weir” is another striking example of good musicianship and songwriting skill. Tempo’s blur, style’s mix and Ella’s voice ranges from quiet ballad to raging siren.  Truly remarkable. I especially enjoy the middle of “Weir” , where a vamp into the chorus has Ella singing a simple, but lifting, “Aaaay ya, Aahhyy ya,  yea yea, Ahaay ya…”  You need to hear it. Trust me.

Other songs of note, would be “Superman / Supergirl” “Jon’s Song” and finishing the album with “Black Sheep”

I could rant on and on about this album and I could try to find an existing group to compare them to, but I can’t and I won’t. You just need to buy this CD.  They are that unique.

Killing Heidi’s Reflector is currently available as an Import, so it’s in the $22 range, but well worth it. Order this CD, listen to it, hit their many websites and catch on to this group before they get HUGE!

That way, you see, you can say you Killed Heidi along time ago.

Enjoyment: 97

Sound Quality:  84