Self-titled

Review by Darren Kerr

This CD really surprised me. I was expecting a mediocre twee pop/rock hybrid, but what I got was thick and atmospheric. Think of This Mortal Coil with keyboards traded in for power chords and you're halfway there. Songs like "A Prayer for My Friend" and "Nightmare" possess a moody dynamic which is present because every member of the band knows where each song is doing and exactly how it will get there. "Being Demeaned" has a Skunk Anansie groove happening, with Shawn Lawlor scattering glass shards of guitar like he's waiting for the barefoot parade to walk past. The rhythm section of Colin Griffin and Nick Rhoades is turn-on-a-dime tight, and Christine Rhinehart sings over top of it all like she's trying to escape purgatory. A strong, beautiful voice. The topper on this CD is the magnificent production by Brad Smith and Barrett Jones. Definitely a keeper.

Artist Contact Info: 5604 35th Avenue S.W., Seattle, WA, U.S.A., 98126