Alive & Kicking April 1998 Natalie Cortez and the Ultra Violets - Ten Who Dared This month we've listened to one great local release after another. I think this is the best release by Natalie Cortez and the Ultra Violets to date. Some of these songs are ridiculously good. I mean, why isn't this band signed? It's funny, though, cuz I was thinking that last year, and now I'm glad they weren't. It just allowed them to grow to the point that they could put out such an excellent release. Natalie's voice has never sounded so confident, and yet she restrains from oversinging... quite a feat considering this album was recorded live at the Palms Playhouse. Steve Randall is still one of the finest guitarists in town. And when special guest drummer Grub Dog trades off vocals in an amazing duet with Natalie, you are seriously listening to one of the finest songs ever recorded in this town. I cannot stress enough how incredible the latest local releases are. ---Jerry Perry