There is a lot of interesting instrumentation in this diverse collection of progressive pop-rock material, starting with the quirky banjo intro (by Matt Davies) on the opening track, 'Perfect'. Most of the songs from this co-founding guitarist-vocalist of Toronto�s Banana Moon are commercially viable in the catchy guitar riffs (Fraz), powerful keyboarding on B3 and piano (Andy Yu and Phil Duncan, alternately) and solid bass (John McLaughlin). However, one or two songs suffer from either a strained or �hyuk-hyuk� vocal approach, especially on 'Two Worlds' and 'Maybe Tomorrow' (an otherwise brilliant piece of work). Fortunately, Fraz is not restrictive in this regard and also brings in outstanding vocal assistance from Jamie Browning, Laura Johansen and Ken Newfield on several tracks.
The CD has a schmaltzy mid-�60s �love song� sensibility at times, but that is offset by the use of unusual instrumental insertions including accordion (Norm Garrioch), trombone (Steve Rattan), flute (Kate Mossman) and percussion (Robin Eastman). Fraz has mastered a variety of guitar-playing techniques, and I especially enjoyed the blend of classically-styled acoustic guitar in 'Everything Comes Down'.
I was very impressed with 'Getting to Know You', but found the relentless cymbal-crashing a bit annoying; the same applies on the other standard rocker, 'D�j� Vu'. There�s no chance of becoming bored, as each track retains an individuality of its own, perhaps due to the fact that there are three different drumming styles (Chris Burrell, Jim Gelcer and Charlie Ringas) contributing to this project, and there�s bound to be at least a couple of songs that would appeal to every listener. Indeed, although I am not familiar with Banana Moon (1983-94) or with Fraz�s ensuing involvement with The Luster Bureau and Jellyboy Hoof, these projects seem to have been as different from another as each of the tracks on this CD.
The lyrical content covers everything from chatroom �romances� to a wrist-slapping about letting drugs take over one�s dreams to the reality of broken relationships.
There is even a Spanish-English �lounger� at the end, purringly vocalized by Cowgrrl, and complemented by Norm Garrioch on sax, Fraz on guitars and bass, Charlie on drums, live audience applause, laughter and clinking of glasses. The �clincher� is the sound of someone �flipping through a radio band� followed by a needle left in the final groove of an old phonograph � yes, absolutely �Perfecto�! |
