Kat Robichaud - A Darling Misfit Christmas (2020)

Meet Kat Robichaud, a powerhouse that channels Palmer's theatrical brand of rock along with echoes of past glam greats - '70s Bowie, Roxy Music, T.Rex, etc. Kat's eponymous debut LP Kat Robichaud and The Darling Misfits contains some of the most grandiose sonic arrangements you'll most likely hear this decade, from circus march opener "The Elephant Song" to the epic, mournful ballad "Why Do You Love Me Now?" Robichaud (who is originally from North Carolina and competed on The Voice in 2013) has an incredible voice that effortlessly balances everything from razor wit (the cocky, satiric "Rockstars Don't Apologize") to raw emotion (the bittersweet "The Long Kiss Goodnight"), and the Darling Misfits completely nail the nuances of bombastic, arena-sized rock n' roll that would make Queen proud.

Her newest album Misfit Cabaret is an unbridled, over-the-top riot of influences, from glam rock to classic Broadway. The grandiose”Bully” comes off like Sheer Heart Attack era Queen, while the Ziggy-esque “A Song for David Bowie” is perhaps the most dazzling posthumous tribute to the Thin White Duke yet (“You prettiest star / I’ll leave a light on for whenever you come home”). It’s surely the most the preposterously, wondrously extravagant music you’ll hear in 2017.