Alexandra!

Willamette Week 2/13/08: A visit to the MySpace of Von Super, a.k.a. local songwriter, Alexandra Ford (ex-Safari) a virtually topless-and-panty-clad Ford (hold your mouse boys-I'm sorry to report nipple coverage) looking dejected and grasping a bottle of white wine in front of a tiger-print background. It's a bit over the top, but it's actually a pretty good indication of what's to be found in Ford's music: sultry emotion, a bit of wildness, and some good ol' singer-songwriter self-deprecation. The gloom and doom of Ford's downtrodden folk can be a bit suffocating at times, but her voice is downright lovely, occasionally calling to mind Thom Yorke's accoustic version of "Fake Plastic Trees." Sung by a hot, freckled brunette. AMY MCCULLOUGH Towne Lounge------------------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------------------Alexandra Ford has been a part of Portland's music scene for a while now, but took a break after her previous band, Safari (also known as Ma Ford) broke up. Now she's back writing her own music, playing her own guitar, and singing the way she always has, albeit with a renewed strength and sincerity that going solo can afford. She's starting over, but here are a few press reviews from her last band that will help to reflect her talent and ferocity: ............................................................ ............................................................ .......... (Berbati's, 231 SW Ankeny) You know when you're at karaoke, and it doesn't matter that everyone's vocals are merely serviceable because you're with your friends and whatever, it's funÉ and then that one person busts out the most heart-breaking, exhilarating performance of Heart's "Crazy on You" or Jefferson Airplane's "White Rabbit," hits every stinking note, and chills you to the bone? Dude, that's like Safari. Solid, electrifying local rock is further spectacular-ized by an energy largely propelled by lead vocalist Alex Ford. Where she was simply mewling before, now she is pelting notes with the velocity of a sledgehammer. A truly exciting development, this. --The Portland Mercury ............................................................ ............................................................ .......... (PCAC, Holman Building, 49 SE Clay) With ease and confidence, the drone rockin' young people of Safari skillfully weave a mixture of swaggering riffs, mournful ballads, and jealousy-inspiring good looks that are sure to land them on the cover of something or other by this time next year. --The Portland Mercury ............................................................ ............................................................ .......... (Blackbird) A blend of Cowboy Junkies/heroin-chic vocals and simple but utterly pleasant guitar progressions (acoustic and not), Safari's music is somber, slow paced, and ultra sexy. If you want to see some really dynamic singing that ranges from lovely to screaming, see this show--you'll be reminded that you have feelings. --The Portland Mercury ............................................................ ............................................................ .......... Remember, this is press from the previous band...however it does indicate the support that the Portland music scene has given Alexandra Ford in the past. Von Super is a new installment that promises to expose even more dimensions of her voice, her talent, and her unrelenting desire to make good music and take it far.