APRIL, 2008 - EVOLUTION OF MEDIA review

Natasha Borzilova - Cheap Escape
By Caroline Leonardo

Natasha Borzilova first hit it big with Bering Strait--the Russian band with an unlikely but likeable country bluegrass sound mixed with traditional Russian music. Their sound garnered them a Grammy nomination for Best Country Instrumental Performance, but unfortunately it wasn't enough for them to break out into as the premiere artists that they were. Now as a solo artist, Borzilova has that chance with her debut, Cheap Escape, which is a pleasant surprise of folk and rock love songs.

Cheap Escape is filled with love songs that some might find a little too close to heart because it describes those moments and situations that are all too common. Borzilova starts off with "I'm Angry," in which she finds herself unable to leave a simple message, but aches to speak. And from there, the songs follow different paths, chronicling love in its beginning (the superb love for all seasons "October Blue," the pack it up and leave it all tune "Cheap Escape"), middle (the breezy "How Do You Do That") , and end. The end stage stops the happy-go-lucky, and ventures into the lover scorned "Real Fight," in which she boastfully says after a breakup that she is "guaranteed twenty good songs." It's one heck of a memorable kiss off disguised in a hot country bluegrass outfit.

"Something I Never Knew About Love" is a fitting end to the album, as every song touches upon all the ups and downs that being in love can bring. Borzilova's voice on Cheap Escape really shines through, and she is reminiscent of other great singer/songwriters like Tori Amos, Jewel, and Joan Osborne. Cheap Escape is beautiful, truthful debut, and is unafraid to show love for what it really is (and can be).

(Original article: http://www.evolutionofmedia.com/review.asp?id=876&order=Borzilova,%20Natasha&style=Country.