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The first release from Fenway Recordings is the
first in a series of uncompromising compilations highlighting outstanding
independent music from around the world. Vol. 1 includes initial
Fenway signing The Kickovers featuring ex-Mighty Mighty Bosstones
guitarist Nate Albert and ex-Weezer bassist Mikey Welsh. Also included
is Northern Ireland’s Ash, young sensation Ben Kweller,
Philadelphia drum+bass duo GFS, and Ocio from Argentina
who include Latin pop legend Gustavo Cerati among many others.
While rock based, the album is diverse with the electronic sounds
of L.A.’s Los Tormentos, GFS, and Ocio
and the hip-hop of Northern Virginia’s H.E.A.D.
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out tour dates.
IN
OUR LIFETIME, VOLUME ONE
Fenway Recordings
The label may be locally based, and the title may
make sense mostly to long-suffering Red Sox fans. But the first
volume of the ''In Our Lifetime'' series extends far beyond the
region while maintaining local flavor. ''Fake in Love,'' by the
Brakes (recently renamed The Kickovers), demonstrates a power-poppiness
that owes more to bassist Mikey Welsh's stint in Weezer than to
guitarist Nate Albert's tenure with the Mighty Mighty Bosstones.
Cracktorch's ''Are You Ready'' is a well-handled guitar workout.
The rest of the material is from all over the world: The hypnotic
trance rhythms of Ocio's ''Quasar'' float in from Buenos Aires,
while ''Sometimes'' from Northern Ireland's Ash is proof the band
works in melancholy and melody with the same dexterity as Coldplay
and Travis. New York's Micah Green delivers an even sadder, acoustic-based
message that works wonderfully prior to fellow Gotham resident Ben
Kweller's piano-driven ''Falling.'' From Los Angeles, Jenn Beast
delivers candy-coated vocals that her backing band, the Burdens,
powers with muscular guitar. The record is not without missteps;
the formulaic hip-hop of H.E.A.D.'s ''I Love You'' never moves beyond
established gimmicks. But as a rough guide to up-and-coming artists,
the series is off to a winning start.
TOM KIELTY
Boston Globe 3/15/02
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