MUSIC REVIEWS

CD Reviews at a Glance:

ph Balance- "fluent"

I went to see ph Balance at a small venue in Atlanta. It was the CD release party for "fluent" and as soon as the band started playing, I was already dancing. The lead singer, Pam Howe, (ph) sings effortlessly. Even so, she can also flow. With hypnotic melodies, rapping, bongos, jazz bass, and even a little piano this album is a montage of jazz, trip hop, hip hop, a little folk, and dare I say a type of music all its own. Any music lover should add this one to their collection. You can't go wrong with the sexy, "Elegant. Itricate." and calming, "Carry Me." Preview a few songs and give it a listen. You won't be sorry that you did. I know I didn't. I knew I had to own this CD only into the third song of the album. Revolutionary! Another fan even calls their music "tantra for the ears."

hip-hop, melodic, flowin' rating: 9.0

If you like ph Balance's "fluent" I recommend you try:
ph Balance- "ph Balance"
Nikka Costa- "Everybody's Got their Something
Minamina Goodsong- "Time for Breakfast"

Hooverphonic- "The Magnificent Tree"

I am a fairy. Transparent butterfly wings and long golden curly hair adorn my graceful, tiny body. As I fly around the forest it is raining. And the drops are multi-colored. I fly to a cove and find a waterfall. All of the other fairies are dancing around to track number 5- "The Magnificent Tree." I join in- smiling and laughter ensue. We waltz to "Vinegar and Salt," (track 6) and dance an Irish jig to "Renaissance Affair," (track 12-BONUS TRACK).

Good fairy family fun! A strange fairytale/Peter and the Wolf resemblance to track 7- "Frosted Flake Wood." Strangely pleasing.

Fairy Rating: 8.7777

If you like Hooverphonic's "The Magnificent Tree" I recommend you try:
Massive Attack- "Mezzanine"
Morcheeba- "The Big Calm"
Vanessa Daou- "Dear John Coltrane"
Olive- "Trickle"

<---Homeward Bound
ph Balance's official website
Hooverphonic's official website
Buy/Listen to music at Amazon.com!

Email: laurenalexis@poetic.com