4 Non Blondes

Country of origin:

U.S.

Type of music generally:

Rock

Status:

Band no longer together. Only known release, Bigger, Better, Faster, More! (1992)

See also:

Wikipedia's entry for 4 Non Blondes

The Ectophiles' Guide entries for Linda Perry's solo work and Kindness, Dawn Richardson's new band

Covers/own material:

Own

General comments:

Four Non Blondes plays (play?) over-the-top rock, appropriating various touches from all areas of music including metal and rap. Their music can feel like a "spot the reference/influence" test, using pieces of this and that here and there. Yet mostly, their music is just full steam ahead, take no prisoners, loud rock. Linda Perry's deep full throated vocals lead the way front and center, showing quite a dynamic range from effective balladry to unthrottled roar. The usual rock assault of percussion and guitar drives the music. I have no idea how intentional the whole overblown shebang is, but it seems too consistent to be nothing but big fun.
     Their music definitely overwhelms the lyrics, which to my eye is not a bad thing. They paint the picture of someone struggling to deal with love, life, politics, and art in this crazy society. Yet the ideas are merely sketched, too obvious, unclear, and/or contradictory. More profound themes could lie deeper, but I doubt it. Touches of humor and some odd ideas keep things interesting, and the driving fun music makes it easily to ignore any lyrical messes. (dbx@aa.net)

Recommended first album:

Bigger, Better, Faster, More!

Recordings:

Bigger, Better, Faster, More! (1992)

Bigger, Better, Faster, More!

Release info:

1992—Interscope (Atlantic), USA—7-92112-2

Availability:

Wide in U.S.

Ecto priority:

Recommended for rock fans

Group members:

Linda Perry—vocals, acoustic and electric guitar
Roger Rocha—guitar
Christa Hillhouse—bass, vocals
Dawn Richardson—drums

Guest artists:

Louis Metoyer—guitar

Comments:

See general comments above.

Thanks to Doug Burks for his work on this entry.