Sound Bites
Performing the best indie-pop-punk since Bis, 'All Stacked Up' hurtles along for its duration of two minutes, seemingly high on helium. There are synthesizers, and more yelling than singing, yet this is still so twee you can imagine the song itself wearing hairclips. But there's nothing wrong with being twee, when it sounds like the band are having fun. This band are the sort who'll divide music lovers; those who take their music far too seriously will hate it, but those who like their glam pop mixed with a bit
of fun will love it. JF
A promising start gives the impression Australian singer-songwriter Alex Lloyd
may live up to comparisons to Coldplay, the Verve and Turin Brakes. Unfortunately somewhere down the way he gets lulled into the David Gray school of dull MOR. The result is a pleasant, melodic little piece of background music, if a little repetitive. It will probably appeal to fans of Elliot Smith, and Ed Harcourt et al; but it's hardly amazing. BS
Kelli's been quiet since splitting from Sneaker Pimps (of '6 Underground' fame) in the late '90s, but now finally serves up her sophisticated pop debut. Obviously she's had time to reflect, and the album mixes oriental philosophy with predictable songs about love in occasionally overly twee moments, such as 'Angel in LA'. Throughout it all the highlight is, of course, Kelli's sublime vocal, recalling Tobey Torres and even Natalie Imbruglia. Simple and understated electronic/orchestral backing make this a perfect theme to relaxing summer afternoons; the thinking man's pop record. BS
30th May 2002