Two Loons For TeaCountry of origin:U.S. Type of music generally:Acoustic-, ectronic- and jazz-flavoured evocative/eclectic alternative pop Status:Most recent release, Nine Lucid Dreams (2007) See also:Two Loons for Tea's site Comparisons:An acoustic combination of Portishead, Splashdown and Lamb, with a touch of the guitar-work of Henry Frayne from Area/The Moon Seven Times/Lanterna Covers/own material:Own General comments:Two Loons For Tea are a Seattle band, with strong female vocals layered around acoustic riffs, hypnotic beats, and percussive colorings. What distinguishes them is their ability to mix in brassy jazz and a little bit of soul, all within a catchy pop sensibility. Though their musical style isn't ground-breaking, their addition of horns and (female) Stevie Wonder-like vocals gives them a deeper emotional range than you often get in alternative pop. (jmgurley@drizzle.com) Recommended first album:Start anywhere—all are great. (Neile) Recordings:
Two Loons For TeaRelease info:2001—Sarathan Records—sarathan 042 Availability:See website for availability Ecto priority:Highly recommended Group members:Sarah Scott—vocals Guest artists:Mell Dettmer—effects Comments:A powerful first album that brings together years of musical experimentations and announces a talented creative partnership between Sarah Scott and Jonathan Kochmer. At times Scott's vocals are reminiscent of Karen Peris from Innocence Mission and of Stevie Wonder, while Kochmer's guitar rings with the atmospherics of The Edge (U2) or Henry Frayne (Area/The Moon Seven Times/Lanterna). The bevy of guest artists add a diversity to the soundscapes these two bring together. The bulk of the album tends to border on mid-tempo pop, but at its liveliest it funks-out like early '70s era R&B. Think a trip-hop Talking Book. Standout tracks are "Carousel" and "Neon Nothing." The most radio-friendly is "Boy," which granted is not their best effort is nonetheless nice ear candy. This ranks as a pleasant discovery in a generally lackluster year for new bands. (jmgurley@drizzle.com) Blue Suit (single)Release info:2002—sarathan records—099 Availability:See CDBaby or website for availability Ecto priority:Highly recommended Group members:Sarah Scott—vocals & lyrics Guest artists:Paul Bushnell—bass Produced by:Eric Rosse, Matt Chamberlain, Mell Dettmer & Jonathan Kochmer Comments:This is a two-track single, released in advance of Looking for Landmarks. Two strong and wonderful tracks that will make you anxious for the full-length release. (Neile) Looking for LandmarksRelease info:2002—Sarathan Records—071 Availability:Wide in the U.S., on CDBaby, or check their website Ecto priority:Highly recommended Group members:Sarah Scott—vocals & lyrics Guest artists:Tom Armstrong—percussion Produced by:Eric Rosse, Matt Chamberlain, Mell Dettmer & Jonathan Kochmer Comments:Layered with sound, powerfully guitar-based, and bound together with Sarah Scott's yearning raspy-honey voice, this album is a wonder, a sophomore album that plays on all the strengths of their first album. The tunes and lyrics are catchy; the production is rich and detailed but never cluttered. Each song is individual but adds up to a whole—an album to listen to obsessively. Nine Lucid DreamsRelease info:2007—Sarathan Records—SAR 012 Availability:Wide in U.S. Ecto priority:Highly recommended Group members:Sarah Scott—vocals Guest artists:Tom Biller—bass, electric guitar, keyboards Produced by:Tom Biller, Mell Dettmer, Jonathan Kochmer, Eric Rosse, Sarah Scott Comments:I confess that I am a fool for Two Loons for Tea. There's something about the wonderful way they construct their songs, the combination of Sarah Scott's soulful, rasping vocals, the catchy lyrics that always seem to take me into whatever emotion their songs are conveying. This new album is no exception: "Sunset Room" takes me into a dreamy sunset; "Monkey" and "Dixieit Up!" are lively and fun; "Waiting," "Strongest Man in the World," "Eyebrows are Nature's Makeup," "Toxic Shellfish in the Sun," and "Stand on Your Head" are torchy, yearning, powerful songs; "Consuela," with Jonathan's whispered vocals, is an eerie and intriguing; "Tragically Hip" and "Marietta" are lively but also haunting. A strong album, and highly recommended—the more I listen the more it grabs hold of me. (Neile) Further info:Email info@twoloons.com Thanks to James Gurley for work on this entry.
|
DISCLAIMER: Comments and reviews in the Ectophiles' Guide are excerpted from the ecto mailing list or volunteered by members of the list. They are the opinions of music enthusiasts, not professional music critics.
Entry last updated 2015-10-02 21:35:04. Please request permission if you wish to reproduce any of the comments in the Ectophiles' Guide in any context. |
The Ectophiles' Guide to Good Music is copyright © 1996-2004 by the editors. Individual comments are copyright © by their authors. Web site design and programming copyright © 1998-2004 usrbin design + programming. All rights reserved. |