A US band (and recent Rising Stars!) with the line-up of Carv Tefft (vocals), Art Forte (bass/keys/vocals) and Tony Morosini (drums). A very competent album that will appeal to fans of REM, Crowded House, XTC and melodic pop/rock. ‘North Beach Drifter’ has a sublime chorus - harmonies overload! Definate radio song if ever there was one! The short but sweet ‘Vanish’ with its jangly pop vibe is great fun to listen to. The Hooters-like ‘A Lot Like You’ is another good tune and ‘Please Don’t take It So Bad’ has an 80’s retro feel similar to Lloyd Cole and bizarrely, shades of Big Country in the guitar style. Other highlights include the upbeat ‘Jack O’Lantern’ and album closer ‘The Prize’.

Another example of the great music that exists out there waiting to be discovered. Finely crafted tunes and tuneful melodies combine to produce a very enjoyable album. If only radio would play these sort of artists more often!

Website

Interview

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Review by Jason Ritchie

***** Out of this world | **** Pretty damn fine |
*** OK, approach with caution unless you are a fan |
** Instant bargain bin fodder | * Ugly. Just ugly