I wasn't really sure what to expect from this group. That is a good thing. The music on this album is good. The influences that can be heard are around the Beatles and REM styles. The drums, stylistically, are great and played with extreme professionalism. It's too bad they weren't mixed better. They tend to come out a bit shallow. Too bad. The programmed drums throughout this CD were a nice touch. They seemed to mix well and even add to the overall sound. The guitar and bass sounds are exactly what you would expect from a modern pop rock band. Mayfair Laundry had a lot of fun with a synthesizer on this album as it was present in almost every song. Whether it was used as a separate instrument or used to funnel another instrument or even voice through, it was well placed. The major problem I had with this CD was Kim Sipus' voice. It reminded me of a little girl / chipmunk voice for the most part. I found that there wasn't any variance in her voice, nothing that was different. On their bio sheet, a musical comparison was made to No Doubt. The only way I could see that is if Gwen Stefani had been sucking helium before she recorded. The lyrics on the other hand are surreal at times and very good overall. Depending on the imagination of the listener is always a plus in my book, while being direct and forthright is appreciated too. "Over and above where stars collide and demons hide through a veil of perfect love we reach across the sky and touch the face of God." In my humble opinion, this is a CD that is on the right track, but would go farther with a different voice. I would not call this album New and Improved.
Similar sounding releases
2005Tom WehrleRoom to Dream
1997Rebecca St. JamesChristmas
2004Sunfall FestivalBang Bang Bang
1999Fleming & JohnThe Way We Are
2002Del AmitriCan You Do Me Good
2003Poor Rich OnesJoe Maynard's Favourites
