Swimming Pools - Single

Making her debut for Kill Rock Stars, 23-year-old Virginian songwriter Thao has been racking up comparisons to Cat Power, based partially on her voice, but also because there aren't too many bluesy female singer-songwriters out there in the indie rock universe. In fairness to both parties there really isn't much evidence to support such claims: Thao's writing has a far more upbeat feel to it, often to the point where it becomes a knockabout bar-room romp. However approachable this record's tone might be, there's still an emotional depth beneath the surface, largely thanks to Thao's expressive voice - something we'll certainly be hearing a lot more of in the months to come.