My friend Brook and I went to Fine China's Cornerstone 2000 set just to see if the lead singer was male or female. We fought our way through the crowd, and discovered that, indeed, Rob Withem is male, and his band makes great alternative/electronica music reminiscent of New Order, The Smiths, or maybe even a happier The Cure.
After receiving the band's first release on a major label, When the World Sings, I've decided that I like their live show more. The album has its share of great songs ("We Rock Harder Than You Ever Knew" is wonderfully catchy, as are "Labor Saving Device" and "Give Us Treble," the band's ode to both 80s music and Bandoppler magazine), but the Joy Electric influence is a bit too strong for my taste (Note: Fine China does not completely ride Ronnie Martin's coattails, like House of Wires or Goodnight Star, but I'd prefer to see the band further explore their New Order and Smiths influences).
As for the lyrics...well, we can at least say they work well with the music. They come across as disjointed and rather repetitive at times, but much like Jason Martin's compositions, the groove is more important than coherent statements:
When you've got no money and you've got no life
And you've got no family, how do you like it now?
You thought that it was cool, but it's over now
I've got my labor saving device, you've got your labor saving device
(From "Labor Saving Device")
At other times, though, the band's message is straightforward, such as album-opener "We Rock Harder Than You Ever Knew," a sly pot-shot at the rapcore scene:
Where is the gentleness and hope of the Lord, hope of the Lord
In all those men who compose violence?
Now we all hope that you will sing with us now, sing with us now
Because we think that you will like that
I'm not sure what kind of reception Fine China will get from Tooth & Nail fans. I've already heard from several people who don't "get" 80s music, bashing both the band and T&N for signing them. For those of you who grew up on New Order, though, When the World Sings will be a welcome trip down memory lane.
3.5 tocks
Other coverage for this album
Opus 2001Reviewed by Nolan ShigleyJason and I were fortunate enough last year to have press passes to the Cornerstone Festival, and Fine China was the first chance to abuse our privileges. We went backstage to watch the show, snapping photos and brushing elbows with music journalism's best. As far as I knew, Fine China was just a cool rock band I'd heard on various tracks on Velvet Blue Music samplers. I was taken aback when I…Bandoppler 2000Reviewed by Jeanette StroleIn the same vein as New Order, or The Smiths, special attention is placed on crafting the most engaging melodies, and arrangements of instruments. The sumptuous bass lines in Fine China's universe could singlehandedly carry the songs. Add to that luxurious synths, Rob Withem's slight whisper of a voice, and some of the richest, sweetest melodies this side of London, and heaven will seem just a…Similar sounding releases
2004Todd RundgrenLiars
1998As If...Strange Blue Thing
1995Joy ElectricFive Stars For Failure
1999Code of EthicsBlaze
2000Sarah CracknellKelly's Locker
1994NewsboysGoing Public
