Choo Choo Pye
[demo]
Reviewed by Camille Bresie
I must compliment and congratulate the band for choosing such a memorable name. Unfortunately, the album isn't as memorable as the band's name. The majority of songs aren't necessarily bad--just rather bland. However, there are three pretty good songs. "Always" is a well-rounded song. "Long Way Home" is catchy and depressingly fun, and the keyboards add a nice touch to the song; yet some of the vocal harmonies are a bit detrimental, because the vocal dissonance doesn't work too well. And "River's Rage" has a pleasant blend of emotions in the music and lyrics. The vocals are definitely unique; they seem to fit the music but are still strange. At times, Choo Choo Pye's vocal style is similar to Fred Schneider's (of the B-52's) style except not as optimistic or happy sounding. Choo Choo Pye provides soul-etched, alternative rock along the lines of The Stand--but a little more gray and less sunshiney. By the way, whose feet are those on the CD cover? For info, see ad on page 58.