Speed Queen

Little Scream Speed Queen CD

On her third album, Little Scream offers us a reflection on class and poverty in America. Speed Queen began as bits of prose written while touring her last album across North America-observing the slow entropy of the US, ruminating on her own low-income upbringing in a flyover state, and, as she says, "taking it all in from the privileged position of being a new Canadian."

The album is gently accusatory. She doesn't let herself or any of her listeners off the hook. In "Privileged Child," she reminds wealthy people who like to adopt the style of the poor and working class that "poverty's a feeling money just can't buy." On "Dear Leader," she reminds those opposing migration that "when the waters rise, it's gonna be you, Miami," warning them that when they're needing help, ".you will ask your God, but he'll be busy getting risen, and the rich will be too busy buying stock in private prisons-that's where they'll send you for talking about socialism."

The biting commentary served with a sense of humor softens its presentation but doesn't detract from its power. This is a theme throughout Speed Queen, where humor and warmheartedness prevail despite some of the darker subjects touched upon.