![Various Artists — Vitaphonic [and other sonic pleasures] cover](/art/9f8f2d98a502b4.webp)
The Sprinkle brothers, Aaron and Jesse, seem to have the Midas touch, because critics will say that everything they deal with turns to gold. Whether it was poor old lu, rose blossom punch, The World Inside, or various solo projects, there is a musical strength which seems to be genetic for the Sprinkles.
So with Vitaphonic, which is a compilation album representing various artists from all corners, Jesse Sprinkle and Shawn Harnish have assembled a stellar cast on one disc. And naturally, among fourteen strong tracks, three Sprinkle related projects are also included on this recording.
Opening up with "September," by The World Inside, we are immediately presented with Jesse's melodic and harmonious acoustic based music. The second track on this album is the amazing, and Beatles-tinged "Sleepily" by now defunct Rose Blossom Punch. Painted by Moses performs "In My Hands," with a raw energy, and nods to our grunge forefathers, Alice In Chains, and Pearl Jam.
Crutchboy's "Mean Person," is a silly and off the wall number, defending the outward attire of punks, (I am not a mean person, just because I wear chains around my neck.) It starts off not unlike a Danielson Famile tune, and alternates between punk riffs, and polka beats.
The next track, by Head Division, is called "My World," and deftly combines modern rock, and spiritually uplifting lyrics. Aimee Clark comes from the Tori Amos school of unique and strong piano playing, wispy, vibrating vocals, and angst-filled inflections, but separates herself from Amos in her prayerful attitude. "Restore" only errs in being barely two and a half minutes.
If you have yet to hear of five o'clock people, listen up. In the same tradition as Jars of Clay, and Rich Mullins, the acoustic, coffee house, folk rock, incorporates a variety of instruments, and rich vocals. Recently signed, and working on a full-length album, 5OCP, will soon be heard on airwaves nationwide.
"Gina The Buffalo Princess" is certainly an unusual title for a song, by band Wonderboy. Brandishing horns, strong rock arrangements, and quirky lyrics, this song is definitely a stand-out.
Fringe's "Let it Begin" opens with quiet, pensive drumming before leading into some more acoustic rock, and vocals reminiscent of Dave Matthews.
Mixing hardcore screaming, ska, and swing influences, "7th Destiny" by Civil probably stands out as the most unusual offering on this compilation album. Or maybe it is Alan Lo Presti's instrumental rock version of the Charlie Brown song (anyone over the age of 20 should know what song I'm talking about.)
"All of My Days" by Big Fuzzy Bullets is a soft, harmonious pop-rock nugget, not too far in style from 70s heroes, America. Dizzy Monk cooks up some atmospheric modern rock, in "New York," with strong vocals, and driving guitar arrangements.
The flashback award goes to "All Pretty for the TV" by poor old lu, and fans of pol, will gladly digest this live recording which features the trademark pol sounds of Aaron Sprinkle's guitars, and Nick Barber's raspy vocals. Rounding out this dandy compilation album is the funkalicious ditty "chomp-o-bar" by Love Bus 17. Not exactly a song, more like listening to someone's conversation set to a funk-beat, it, too, stands out as an unusual and unique track.
