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Sweet music from Bandmates |
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Bandmates are a duo made up of Kimberly
Cody and Susan Carson,
sometimes augmented by guitarist Lee Fortune and drummer Scott
Miles. This is a 6-track mini-album on their own label featuring the
songwriting talents of Cody and Carson.
It's a nice collection of pleasant
folk-style songs which I left on my CD player for a few more plays.
Kimberly has a pure, sweet, musical voice and and Susan's bass and
harmonies add quality to the mix. Susan takes lead vocals on Mediterranean
Sky and her deeper voice contrasts well with Kimberly's.
My favourite tracks would be 'Scared'
(catchy bass intro), 'Heartache From Mars' and 'Roses'. |
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to be heard and apart from the title-track 'Bandmates' which features
an electric guitar, it's just acoustic guitar, bass and two (sweet)
voices. Susan bows her upright bass on the opening track. Kimberly has a British twang to her voice, wonder if she spent
some time in England? From a graphic
artist's viewpoint, the artwork on the insert isn't very exciting but
the whole package is nicely presented and is available by mail order
from the duo's website at
www.bandmates.org
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Classy collection
from Laurie Miller |
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This is a quirky 13-track album from BassGirl
Laurie Miller
which will put you in a good mood! It opens with a fine interpretation
of David Bowie's 'Heroes' but it's not really a taste of what's in
store. Laurie sings tongue-in-cheek and one gets the impression that
she's having a cynical laugh at society. Nothing wrong with that!
'Boring' is a brilliant witty ditty with a reggae
beat - 'You're boring, I think I'll take you to the pound, You're
boring, now you know why I never come around' while 'Loser Magnet'
sounds as if it's about me! 'Dump on me baby, dump, dump!'
'Bathroom Lover' leaves 'Je T'aime' in the shade,
let's just say it's steamy! 'Fornicated Infinity' is an attempt at
arty rap which I'm sad to say, I don't like and 'Disneyland' is also
too 'talkative' for my liking. 'Take My Hand' is a beautiful slow
song, arranged beautifully with guitar, drums (brushes) and what
sounds like a Hammond organ. |
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There's also an interesting interpretation of Lou
Reed's classic 'Walk On The Wild Side' with a fine guitar
break. There is an uncredited male voice on quite a few tracks also.
The last two tracks are dance mixes.
The album is well presented with a fine photo of Laurie and her bass
in the front insert. I'm disappointed that the other musicians (and
voices) are not credited, especially as they give such fine, tight
performances.
It's on One Lane Records and is available from
CD Baby at the giveaway price of $10.00. |
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Octavia Sperati have everything except
melody |
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I didn't realise until I Googled
'Octavia' that as well as being (half) the name of metal band from Norway,
it's also the name of a car made by Skoda - so if you need to search for
them on the web, type in their full title, Octavia Sperati!
Of all the genres of music I have played
and listened to since I was a teenager, metal is probably the one I know
least about so I can only judge this album in the broad musical sense and
not from the perspective of a metal fan. This, 'Winter Enclosure' is their
11-track debut album. |
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I realise there are different types
of metal such as Heavy, Doom, Death, Dark, etc., but they all seem to
have one thing in common - heavy guitar distortion. This collection is
excellent in so many respects - musicianship, vocals, harmonies,
production, arrangements but the one thing it lacks is melody. Not one
of the tracks jumps out and asks to be heard again.
Lead vocalist Silje has a great
voice and would probably be well capable of tackling many different
genres. Similarly, bassist
Trine
and Tone on keyboards and grand piano play their instruments very
well.
The whole package on Candlelight
Records is very professionally presented in a clear jewel-case with an
8-page glossy booklet complete with lyrics and photos of the band.
Drummer Hege has been replaced by Ivar Alvar since this album was
released.
'Winter Enclosure' is available from
Amazon at $15.28.
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If your
band has recently released and album (no demos please!), email
editor(at)bassgirls.com
and we will let you know where to send it for review. Your band of course,
must have a female bassist! |
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Archived Reviews:
August 2006 |
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