Middle East Cafe – Page 10 – Lollipop Magazine

Curious Ritual – at the Soon Release Party at The Middle East Cafe and T.T. the Bear’s – Review

November 1, 1994

I’m disappointed to be unable to say anything spectacular about Opium Den and Curious Ritual, who are two of the best bands around in the Goth/ethereal style.

Brothers Grimm – at the Soon Release Party at The Middle East Cafe and T.T. the Bear’s – Review

November 1, 1994

Brothers Grimm, whose rap track, “Where the Wild Things Are,” is not indefensible musically, but stylistically, WHAAA?!?!?

Vision Thing – at the Soon Release Party at The Middle East Cafe and T.T. the Bear’s Place – Review

November 1, 1994

Vision Thing, on it’s voyage from Reworked Roots Rock to Goth/Ethereal, got stuck on a siding just this side of Interesting.

Brainiac – with Jawbox at The Middle East Cafe – Review

November 1, 1994

They scared me, they confused me, and finally, they impressed me. Noise, innovation, and a blatant two-thumbs-up from the crowd.

St. Chimerae – at the Soon Release Party at The Middle East Cafe and T.T. the Bear’s Place – Review

November 1, 1994

The St. Chimerae track, “Midnight,” is a bit too self-conscious and studied for my tastes.

Sirensong – at the Soon Release Party at The Middle East Cafe and T.T. the Bear’s Place – Review

November 1, 1994

Michelle Poppleton has a beautiful Sinead O’Connor-like voice, but without the annoying condescension and with even more lyrical lilt.

Orbit – at the Soon Release Party at The Middle East Cafe and T.T. the Bear’s Place – Review

November 1, 1994

They’re pleasantly pop but with enough eccentricity in mood and rhythm to be pretty interesting.

Opium Den – at the Soon Release Party at The Middle East Cafe and T.T. the Bear’s Place – Review

November 1, 1994

I’m disappointed to be unable to say anything spectacular about Opium Den and Curious Ritual, who are two of the best bands around in the Goth/ethereal style.

One of Us – at the Soon Release Party at The Middle East Cafe and T.T. the Bear’s Place – Review

November 1, 1994

Although John Creeden’s vocal style doesn’t do much for me on CD, their rhythm section has an insidiousness that worked well.

Mistle Thrush – at the Soon Release Party at The Middle East Cafe and T.T. the Bear’s Place – Review

November 1, 1994

Mistle Thrush’s performance at T.T.’s was not as thrilling as I’d expected, but their track, “Beyond Reach” travels a compelling path.