The Ivory Coast – Clouds – Review

The Ivory Coast

Clouds (Polyvinyl)
by Tim Den

The Ivory Coast‘s problem has always been their singer. Having seen them live and heard most of their recordings, I have to say that their downfall is guitarist/vocalist Jay Cox’s unimaginative crooning. The band (including Cox’s guitar playing) is great; droplets of each instrument raining on different parts of the song to create a storm. But when the vocals come in… the listener gets drenched with limp melodies and weak delivery. “Five Little Graves” is perhaps the best example: The verses can drive a sane man to break his stereo in annoyance. A good band that, unfortunately, you won’t be able to stand after five minutes.
(PO Box 1885 Danville, IL 61834)