I JUST NEED SOMEONE TO TELL ME HOW TALL I AM
Review: Perfect Pitch Online
By Erik Fong
Alt-country sounds, dreamy steel pedal embellishments and "West coast harmonies" (whatever those are) combine for a pleasant listen on Minibar's second release--and its first on Foodchain Records--Fly Below the Radar. Originally taking shape in Britain, Minibar eventually changed locations and set up shop in Los Angeles. The sounds of Los Angeles' most standard bands definitely make their way into Minibar's craft (whether it's for better or for worse is up to you). The primarily acoustic instrumentation takes on a clean, rootsy, So Cal jam band-ish vibe, providing a lush, tender background for vocalist Simon Petty's harmonies.
Despite taking on a polished and predominantly mainstream sound (especially for a "DIY" album), Minibar offers enough spontaneous melodic intrigue vocal-wise for an overall enjoyable alt-rock album. Much better at musically translating sadness than satisfaction, Minibar excels most with slow, weepy, melancholy tracks like "Snake Buckle Belt" and "Badlands." A limited edition bonus CD includes five live tracks, three of which were recorded during a performance for radio station KCRW. If you can get a copy with the bonus CD, go for it--the overall vibe on the live disc is much more energetic than the studio effort
From Perfect Pitch Online