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I JUST NEED SOMEONE TO TELL ME HOW TALL I AM
Review: All Music Guide
Minibar continued to stake out their niche of respectable, but not astounding, rootsy rock on their second release. Much was made of the group's faux Americana feel in its initial press coverage, but although this does have definite folk-rock, country, and West Coast harmony influences, it's not as simple as a British band trying to play American. They play tuneful rock that has pop appeal without selling out, Simon Petty's breathy, slightly scratchy vocals projecting an inviting world-weary, reflective warmth. Echoes of bands like R.E.M. and, reaching further back, the Byrds and late-'60s/early-'70s British pop can be heard in addition to the more contemporary alt-folk-rock factors. There are varied accents like brooding Spanish melodics in "New Mexico," the fairground instruments on the fade of the lilting "Unstoppable," and the ethereal country tinge of "Breathe Easy" and "Martha." There's an even-keeled feel of containment to the proceedings, though, that makes this more modestly likable than striking. -- Richie Unterberger
From All Music Guide
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