Divinyls (1991)

Divinyls lead singer Christina Amphlett has a voice that's a near-perfect rock & roll instrument — a rough alto that can slide in an instant from a wounded yelp to a forbidding growl. Like a quirkier version of Motels' lead singer Martha Davis, she projects a raw but clearly feminine sensuality. With song titles like ''I Touch Myself,'' ''Lay Your Body Down,'' and ''Cafe Interlude,'' Divinyls — the fifth album from this Australian band — seems to promise plenty of opportunities for Amphlett to channel this sexual energy. But despite solid guitar work and good, steady drumming, few of the tracks really cook the way you expect or want them to. They're decent enough as straight-ahead, by-the-numbers rockers, but not as compelling as the voice interpreting them. B-