Fairbanks, Alaska is hardly known for its explosive rock scene, but in fact, Fairbanks is the home town of alternative pop-rock singer Kelly Moneymaker, who made her recording debut as a solo artist with Like A Black Bird. Recorded in Los Angeles, Like A Black Bird is introspective and emotionally complex but not without a healthy sense of humor. Songs like "At the Co-op," "Can't Breathe," "Mass Confusion" and "Frighten Me" find the singer/songwriter reflecting on life's challenges and looking at some of her own demons without sounding morbid, maudlin or self-pitying. Moneymaker manages to laugh a bit at some of those challenges, and her ability to do so works to her creative advantage. Like A Black Bird isn't a gem, but its a satisfying, if uneven, debut that illustrates the artist's potential. ~ Alex Henderson
