Although she's been performing since the early '90s, vocalist
Patrice Pike is perhaps best known for her appearance on the 2006 reality TV show Rockstar: Supernova where she competed to become the lead singer of a supergroup which included
Mötley Crüe drummer
Tommy Lee. Labeled the "soccer mom" by some viewers underwhelmed by her low-key, somewhat detached stage presence,
Pike in truth is a journeyman performer who has recorded professionally with various bands over the years, including
Sister 7 who were signed to Arista in the late' 90s. Recorded prior to
Patrice Pike's appearance on Rockstar,
Unraveling is a solid if somewhat unremarkable post-show "debut" and fourth solo album for the singer/songwriter. Not surprisingly, the criticism most often leveled at
Pike by the band that she was a bit boring and lacked a strong personality is basically the main problem here. These are workmanlike songs that find
Pike moving from post-grunge and neo-psychedelic rockers to funky neo-soul anthems. Primarily,
Unraveling reveals her as she was on the show, as a straight-ahead, adult alternative rock singer heavily influenced by such similarly minded artists as
4 Non Blondes,
Alanis Morissette and
Sarah McLachlan. While none of the songs really stand out here, they are still heartfelt, organic, and original compositions that should appeal to fans of '90s alt rock. ~ Matt Collar