Louise Burns Beckons Listeners With 'Mellow Drama' Melodies

While performing Thursday night at the Supermarket as part of CMW/CMF, Louise Burns seemed a little uncertain, almost like a girl who still hadn't quite found her footing onstage.

But that's not the case at all.

Skim over Burns' CV and you'll discover that the Vancouver singer-songwriter once prowled the set of high-budget music videos and regularly schmoozed Canada's MuchMusic as part of Lillix, an all-girl contingent that was hawking mall-rock before Avril became resident skater girl.

Though you'd never imagine Burns in such an un-indie light given the thoughtful throwback tunes she now plays with her backing band, there's a certain je ne sais quoi to her performance which hints at chops well-honed. And no amount of self-conscious stage banter will change that.

Indeed, watching Burns command her bass while belting out inspired lyrics to gems like 'Chinook (Sing from the Valley of Doubt)' and 'Street Walking' -- both featured on her upcoming whimsical debut, 'Mellow Drama' -- was a sight to behold.

Faced with a sparse crowd (the consequence of having your set scheduled at the unfashionable hour of 8:00PM), the singer managed to beckon those in the adjoining bar to venture to the backroom performance space to see who was driving the Mazzy Star-indebted melodies.

A prime showcase slot at a venue with a touch more clout would likely have done the veteran good -- for she is indeed a seasoned musician, don't let her wallflower leanings fool you. But with an interview this week on MuchMusic's retooled Damian Abraham-hosted 'The Wedge,' Burns' stock is surely on the rise, so next time around we might just find her headlining a CMW/CMF showcase. That's the hope, at least.

Watch Louise Burns' Video for 'What Do You Wanna Do'