Mayhem

Dublin, Ireland’s Imelda May swings in a number of stylistic idioms — rockabilly, jazz, country — all with stirring conviction. The grimy guitars that fuel “Psycho,” her second album’s first single, are only matched by May’s spirited vocal prowess. After the opening three-some of tough rockabilly-inspired grooves, May throws together the sweet, horn-scented ballad, “Kentish Town Waltz,” to show off her quiet side. The track is also done as an odd duet with Lou Reed where the two singers sound like they’re stalking each other. “Inside Out” takes cocktail jazz and knocks over the drinks. “Bury My Trouble” shuffles with a sense of hyperventilating rage. The cover of Soft Cell’s “Tainted Love” ramps up the vamping to unparalleled heights. “Let Me Out” features further guitar slashing and overheated vocals. Everything May does sounds like a desperate situation where action must be taken. She is a convincing chanteuse that puts the excitement back into the nightclub.