Appearances can be important. The front cover of this album made me initially wary, and didn't quite suggest the brooding alternative rock sounds that its contents hold. Female vocals mixed with alternative music, the guitars are abrasive and varied; there's a slight surf feel to them in places. The vocals have a slightly chilled edge to them, and are sometimes reminiscent of Plumb's Tiffany Arbuckle but are mostly more restrained.
"Heartstring" is possibly the most 'perky' tune on the album, bringing to mind some of the softer pop-punk tunes that were around a couple of years ago. The band pulls off the songs well, apart from the fact that the bass is occasionally a little low in the mix, but it's nothing particularly new--probably the biggest weakness of the album. Two or three years ago this might have served Viva Voce well, but while this remains an enjoyable listen, they'll need to find a few more twists to compete in an already
well-populated market.
3 tocks
Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 1999Reviewed by Joe RockstrohViva Voce: Italian for "by word of mouth." It seems like that's probably the only way to find out about Viva Voce, the latest offering from Cadence. This album reminds me a lot of their fellow label mates Shaded Red's debut in that this is a solid, yet unheralded, disc. Viva Voce seems to have found that perfect "alternative" niche, reminding me most of Gish and Siamese Dream era Smashing…HM Magazine #72Reviewed by Brian Vincent McGovernI'm sure glad this CD is finally out. This kind of heavy modern rock (tough guitars, eye-opening melodies, and strong, but delicate female vocals) continues to be popular among those who are in touch with, and appreciate, today's music scene. The band has definitely progressed since you heard their rendition of "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen," that they recorded for the very first HM sampler comp.…Puddlegum 1998Reviewed by Paul DendiuThough I could easily provide this album with the shortest review in the history of Puddlegum, I'll attempt to expound somewhat solely for the sake of this website's clientele. As the last track of Hooray For Now finished spinning in my boom box, I sat in pure awe. I couldn't believe what I'd just heard. Someone has done it, I thought to myself. Someone's finally done it. Viva Voce has done for…Similar sounding releases
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