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From current issue of AMPLIFIER...
The Bigger Lovers
Pound for pound, one of the best releases of 2002. Philadelphia's Bigger Lovers (it's not true, girls!) follow up their excellent debut on Black Dog Records with a solid mixture of jangly pop, lush vocals and engaging songwriting. Unique harmonies enhance the beauty of "Don't Know Why," while Ed Hogarty's staccato keyboards highlight the arrangement on "A Simple How Are You?" "Half Richards" sounds like an early Who track with better vocal arrangements - listen to the bass and drums and chord progression - but it's big guitar sound that propels "Bought YourGhost." The Bigger Lovers can rock out, as "What Would It Take" and "Ivy Grows" will attest, but can also nail a gorgeous ballad like "You're In LoveAgain." Power pop fans will gravitate towards "Make Your Day" while retro-poppers will eat up the psychedelic piano ballad "Minivan Blues." With two very capable lead vocalists (Brett Tobias and Scott Jefferson share duties herein) among the four multi-instrumentalists, The Bigger Lovers always sound fresh and creative. At this rate, I wonder if they've even hit their stride yet. Special kudos to producer Thom Monohan and engineer Brian McTear - this is also one of the best sounding CDs I've heard in quite a while. Don't hesitate to pick this one up on your next tripto the store.
Honey in the Hive
(Yep Roc)
www.yeproc.com
- Bill Holmes