Minibar
Desert After Rain
© 2006 Minibar Music Inc (837101246910)
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British indie rock with a hint of classic Californian harmonies and guitars.
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Americana with Brit-pop roots
author: redtunictroll@hotmail.comMinibar continues to straddle their UK origins and adopted California home. On this third CD the balance continues to tilt towards roots-rock, with the oft-mentioned Wallflowers and Wilco still being relevent comparisons; the Wallflowers' Rami Jaffee even turns up on Hammond organ for a pair of tracks. But even with their twangy guitars and rasp-and-whisper vocals providing a blend of rock, country, and soul, there's still an underpinning of Brit power-pop in the dense melodies and harmonies. The latter is highlighted on "Wide Open," thick with vocals and guitars reminiscent of Teenage Fanclub. ¶ After a major label release for Universal and an indie on Foodchain, the band has issued this one on their own, distributing it through CD Baby and at their shows (including an upcoming tour backing Pete Yorn). The opening "Things I Left Behind" catalogs the abandoned jetsam of the indie experience in a travelogue of lost clothes, bandmates, LPs and experiences strewn through the years. On the flipside, "Can I Call You A Cab?" lingers over the physical and emotional remains of a relationship, pondering how to move on. The dissolute closer, "In the Strings," mulls the same quandary, but with a sense that 'goodbye' is the only answer. ¶ The band's rhythm battery has the bouncy snap of a well-honed pop band, but with enough swing to give it soul. Simon Petty's voice defines the band's sound, with a rasp that sits perfectly among (rather than on top of) the band's mix of acoustic and electric guitars. Minibar may have missed the broad commercial window for their brand of rock (although Americana radio should eat this up), but those who love beautifully produced pop with twangy edges should check this one out. 3-3/4 stars, if allowed fractional ratings. [©2007 redtunictroll at hotmail dot com]
Another great CD from Minibar
author: JennieGreat, clever lyrics - great harmonies and all around great music. And the more you listen, the better it gets.
Fantastic, gets better all the time
author: Brian RoweThis CD is fantastic and the boys keep on getting better all the time. Beautiful lyrics and tunes. Keep up the good work
Jangly roots rock with great harmonies and guitars
author: Karl LeslieI love this band. I have always found something about Simon Petty's voice that immediate and compelling. On this, the group's third album, the songs are a little more pumped up than on the last release and the band sounds tighter than ever. If you like jangly roots rock with great harmonies and guitars, you'll love this album.
Chocolate for the Ears
author: Bruce LoweOnce again Minibar has triumphed! It must be nice to go to bed at night knowing you've succeeded in creating lyrically-rich and harmonious tunes. Aren't we glad they jumped to this side of the pond instead of getting lost in all the Coldplay clones coming out of Britain?
It was amazing!!
author: JuliaIt was beutiful music, what I've come to expect from this artist, the lyrics and music are a different twist and truly alternative music and I loved listening to it the first time and look forward to many more!!
these guys are great..
author: Dennis AlveyI have been into these guys ever since i heard Fly Below the Radar when it first came out. I also saw them live in Santa Monica and these guys are even better live. This record is a little different and in some ways not as good as Fly Below but I also love the more upbeat songs where Fly Below was mostly slower. The first two songs on this record are some of their best. It just has a few moments of drag later. However, I still love this record and this band. I wish them well and can't wait to see them again. This record is a bit more stripped down with mostly acoustic rhythm and electric melody, some great hooks and also a little more drag in my opinion. But i still love it. There's too many lights to see the stars!!
thought provoking beautiful music
author: Karenaloved it, have listened to it multiple times already and like every song. standout vocals, beautiful lyrics. Crime Scene Ribbon sounds like the single. other standouts-Desert After Rain, Can I Call You A Cab?, and Snowglobes. highly recommend it.