Album Details

• Artist: Versailles
• Album: Broken Dolls
• Label: Indie
• Year of Release: 2008
• ME Rating:
• Reviewed by: hstisgod on 2009-04-26

It's a difficult review, when the artist blatently resembles likeness and sound of another mainstream artist. In Versailles' case, lead singer Dianna Marie St. Hilaire is the Amy Lee of the unknown world. The question is whether she is her own talent or simply another wannabe molded.

On many of these tracks, Hilaire stays at a certain pitch and leaves something to be desired. On other songs, she explores a softer range and sucks me into the melodies much more. For instance, on the title track "Broken Dolls", Hilaire's pipes resemble Madonna quite a bit while the instrumentation is fittingly dreamy. There's a bit of a treasure on track 12, where these Hollywood natives cover Jane's Addiction's, "Jane Says", fairly well.

Either way, Versailles represent a mixture of sounds. For those that want the Evanescence, you'll be short changed, and find mostly Amy Lee. For those who look for the likes of pianist Tori Amos, almost every track here will satisfy your needs. Other artists like Love & Rockets and The Cure's influence are definitely evident.

Overall, this CD has moxy for being so easily comparable to another in the mainstream. Is Versailles the next best thing? Who knows...But they are certainly not a bunch of biters as they bring their own identity by mixing simplistic instrumentation, melody and vocals

User Reviews and Comments

on 2009-05-10 SolitaryMan Said:

This seems like one of those "just barely on the radar" type artists that'll end up with a bright moment in the sun (which this chick definitely looks like she might need LOLZ) before burning out of people's attention. From what I've allowed myself to hear of her, the Amy Lee fans should be flocking.
Not Rated

on 2009-05-08 star7seven Said:

Her voice is very airy and spacy in a way unlike Amy Lee's. Lee's is mysteriously airy while having a complementing strength. Miss Hilaire seems to be wanting what she doesn't have. It's likeJack Johnson breaking out a Nirvana song... it's just not gonna work. Great review though Mr. Rutherford... you're always on the money.
Not Rated