Scout Niblett, Zookeeper

Guest-singing on "Peoria Lunch Box Blues" from Songs:Ohia's 2003 release Magnolia Electric Co., Scout Niblett sounded like a ghost singing from beyond the grave. Like her contemporary Cat Power, Niblett's voice shines brightest when her accompaniment is spare and barren. Her songs usually consist of only her voice and a guitar or rudimentary drums but are often all the more striking for their minimalism. Scout isn't her real name (it's Emma) and she has a penchant for wearing strange blond wigs in photos, but it's hard to blame her for trying to maintain some air of mystery when she bares so much of herself in her singing. Get there early for Zookeeper, featuring Chris Simpson of Mineral and the Gloria Record.