Tripe – Too Much Fond – Review March 1, 1995 Tripe’s vocals are familiar, but clean and solid, not needing any trick effects to fatten out the sound, and the lyrics are intelligent and well-written.
Cranes – at The Middle East Cafe – Review March 1, 1995 They employ entrancing melodies that are a unique mixture of wrenching instrumentation and Alison Shaw’s elfin vocals.
Tom Verlaine – Dreamtime – Review March 1, 1995 Dreamtime may be Verlaine’s most straightforward “rock” album, but, that said, it’s still a far cry from leather-clad-leg-on-the-monitor bombast.
The Halo Bit – Gravity (Is the Force That Always Drags You Down) – Review March 1, 1995 Noisy pop with thoughtful lyrics and rich, indie production.
22 Brides at T.T. the Bear’s – Review March 1, 1995 If I had heard on their CD some hint of the edge that this band has on stage, I would have liked the disc better.
The Cult – Review March 1, 1995 Putting progressive, psychedelic, and hard rock influences in their stew, The Cult come out with balls and intelligence.
The Borg – Review March 1, 1995 The assimilation has begun. Submit to clones from the 24th century, and become enveloped in the retro-minimalist sound inducement techniques.
The Blue Up? – Review March 1, 1995 This record is ideal for those who lost faith in Stevie Nicks when they discovered her “fairy dust” came from Columbia.
The 6ths – Wasp’s Nests – Review March 1, 1995 Every song is pure, hummable pop music with basic structures and a staying power that etches permanent grooves into your memory.
Swank – “Superfly” – Review March 1, 1995 Malachite reforms (again) playing new roles and carrying a new banner: Swank. It’s slow, mean, heavy and pissed off.