Date: September 27, 2002
From: Frontiers Magazine

Sacha Sacket: Alabaster Flesh
by Barnes

Sacha Sacket is a remarkable young singer-songwriter and pianist, and on this first release on his own label, he shows the kind of depth that important careers are made of. His piano playing, rolling emotive melodies, and slightly obtuse lyrical content might remind listeners of our First Lady of the Fairies, Tori Amos. But upon closer inspection it becomes clear that Sacket has his very won take on the hazards and delights of growing up queer. On songs like "Apollo Girlie" and "Sacrifice" his lyrics speak of the secrets and mysteries of the heart in language that features plenty of literate references, while his intelligent arrangements suck the listener into his complex world. Sacket's drum programming is driving, and on a number of track beautiful string-quartet arrangements by Melissa Orquiza support his powerful keyboard work, placing us squarely in experimental Bjork terrain. Sacket is his most lyrically biting on "Battleship," reporting from the battleground many young gay men find themselves in, asking why the "butches always hate the belles" and talking about feeling like a "walking cemetery, so many dead men inside of me." Is it too much to imagine that an artist like Sacket - who is a compelling live performer - willing and able to push his own personal edge, might find a generation of young queers ready to embrace something other than club bunnies with pecs or punk-rock wannabes. Rufus Wainwright might speak to the critics and the cultural elite, but Sacket whispers straight into your darkest dreams. Once you get to see this intense, young artist perform you might not want to wake up.