Favez

A Sad Ride on the Line Again (Doghouse)
by Tim Den

Vocalist Chris Wicky of Favez calls himself “Ameripean” because of his dual residencies in Connecticut and Switzerland during childhood. It’s no wonder then that the same can be said of A Sad Ride on the Lines Again with its duality of American indie rock and European somber-anthems. Learning from American bands, Favez’s first US release has that big, warm, roomy sound that has helped Jawbox and Jimmy Eat World conquer stereos everywhere, but also the brooding, depressing magic trademarked by European greats Radiohead and Lush (Okay, so they’re both from Britain and not the continent. Sue me). Not a bad combination on paper, you say? It’s even better in reality.

The balance of brilliant acoustics (obtained by recording the whole album in a church) and heartfelt Brit rock makes A Side Ride on the Line Again an almost can’t-miss addition to rock fans everywhere. If you’re a fan of the kind of rock that doesn’t mess with technical wizardry or fancy production, but instead concentrates on performing touching and melodic serenades in their rawest/livest/ most undisturbed form, this is for you. Oh look, here come the Cure and Morrisey crowds now.
(PO Box 8946 Toledo, OH 43623)