Viva 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 Pumpkins, except with D'arcy on vocals. The guitars on this album are especially worthy of acclaim, being beautifully textured and layered, but never swinging either too heavy or too light, staying true to the power pop nature of the songs. The vocals too, are exquisite--the throaty, little girl whisper of Anita Robinson perfectly matches the swirling guitars of her husband, Kevin.
The first two songs on the album, "He Touches Stars" and "Fear of Flying," will probably draw the most Smashing Pumpkins comparisons and are easily the best on the album. Those songs possess a combination of intensity and urgency that unfortunately the rest of the album seems to abandon, opting instead for more of a generic pop feel.
The song lyrics throughout the album consist of worshipful, poetic musings. The lyrics from "Bent" are an excellent example:
Beneath the sun
(I never dreamt)
A crooked soul
All broken bent
With lifted hands
(Could reach so high)
Unfolded wings
Embrace the sky.
Take it all
Unbend what I am.
The production of this album is good; the varied, layered guitar tones carry across particularly well, although from time to time you'll notice a song's guitars are a little thin in some places and some drum tones sound a little odd in others.
While this is an interesting and welcome debut, this record could have been a bit better. Some songs are a little more "poppy" than I prefer, but there are enough solid songs here to show some definite proof of talent. I expect that with a bit more maturity and time, the next album by this husband and wife team will be something to really spread the word about.
3.5 tocks
Other coverage for this album
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…The Phantom Tollbooth 1998Reviewed by James StewartAppearances 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…Similar sounding releases
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