A=Awesome B=Beautiful C=Could be
better D=Don't quit your day job E=Enough
already F=Flush it,Forget it,@#%^ it
Here we find a three piece band from Philly puttin'
out some pop alternative music.Jim McGinty the
brain-child of Central Figures has been working on
getting the act together since 1982.There have been
multiple line ups including one member who has had a part in Central Figures off and on for the
duration,Rusty Crowe(Drums).
The next member to join the band was Chris
Coward,who Jim met at an open mic session.Well when
Jim,Rusty and Chris got together for Chris' audition the chemistry was there and the Central Figures
we're going to review was born.Central Figures had a bomb dropped on them when Rusty announced he was
leaving the band just as the album was
released.Central Figures now does acoustic gigs with Jim and Chris at the helm.They are looking for a
drummer and hope to cut an EP with producer Tim
Bomba(Rusted Root,The Clarks) very soon.For more
info email Quiethouse Music at the addy down
below.So on to the review!!
D.C.-This one opens with some tight electric rhythm
guitar playing with some strong drumming.The lyrics
are well written and the vocals are in sync.,the
bass is weak on the opening track.(B)
TRACK 2
Between Two Worlds
D.C.-This one opens with a real jolt of energy and
goes on to have some good harmony vocals in the
chorus.The rhythm guitar and drums hold the song
together,with the drumming being the driving force.
There is an excellent lead guitar bridge in the
tune.
The bass in this tune is adequate but lacks push and originality.I believe Chris needs to relax and cut
loose a bit more,I can hear a talented bass player.
(B++)
TRACK 3
Miss Noble
D.C.-This one opens with some acoustic rhythm guitar
and then breaks into a nice rockin' tune.Now you get to hear some innovative bass guitar playing,Chris
gets to cut loose and is a driving force as well as
a presence in the melody line.This tune has all
factors needed to make it a sure hit,good lyrics,a
catchy melody,great harmony vocals,a vibrant lead
guitar solo,excellent rhythm section,and at 3:04 is
neither too long or short for air-play.(A++)
TRACK 4
Passing Me By
D.C.-We see in this one the acoustic side of Central Figures and it is a nice addition.The sound is full
and you get the real feel of the musicians.This is
another great tune that certainly should get Jim and Chris noticed as the great musicians that they are.I see that with the drum track this track has more
depth,but without it this would still be a great
tune.(A++)
TRACK 5
Gambling In The Dark
D.C.-This tune has a more upbeat tempo to it with
some nice tight breaks.Rusty has an excellent beat
going in this tune,and is well supported by Chris'
bass fretwork.Jim does some masterful guitar work in this tune as well as some select vocals with harmony.(A++)
TRACK 6
Last Last Chance
D.C.-Great acoustic guitar playing matched by some
dynamic bass playing.This tune has an intriguing
melody line with a original tempo.The lyrics were
well versed and fit the melody real well putting out a super arrangement.(A+)
TRACK 7
Over and Over
D.C.-In this tune we find Jim putting out a more
solo effort in the intro.When the rhythm section
jumps in the tune really blossoms into a fantastic
piece.This band has some interesting concepts in
arrrangement of their compositions.The effect on the listener is well thought out and very generative. (A++)
TRACK 8
The Other Voice
D.C.-This track has some excellent guitar work along with that fabulous bass guitar playing that came
shining through.The drumming is super tight and the
vocals are rich and powerful.I pick this tune as
being the best track on the album,and well worth
picking up the album for.(A++++)
TRACK 9
Alternatives
D.C.-Central Figures has brought together an album
that is full of musical variety.This tune is unlike
any other on the album,it has acoustic guitar that
is the driving force colored with some nice rhythm
and vocals.Very original piece!(A++)
TRACK 10
Porch Swing
D.C.-This tune has some great lyrics and a very
contagious melody.This is a tune that you'll be
playing over and over and singing along with.The
musicians are tight.I feel the song does run a bit
short.(A)
TRACK 11
True To Life
D.C.-The melody in the title track seemed vaguely
familiar though I can't quite put my finger on it.It could be that the chord progression is similar to a
number of classic rock tunes.The lyrics are good
enough to stand on their own merit,so the tune has a positive platform.(B+)
TRACK 12
This Lonely Notion
D.C.-This tune has the title track beat hands down
and is more what I expect to hear from a band of
this caliber.This has a lot more originality and has some tight breaks.The melody line is real catchy and the lyrics are exceptional.A great tune to close the album with,leaving the listener wanting more.(A++)
Donna's overall impression:
You will certainly want to pick this album up for
your collection."Why?" you might ask.For it's
original arrangements,while it still lies within the pop alternative genre.Variety of musical stylings
with expert musicianship and powerful vocals.The
lyrics are all well written,meaningful,and something you can easily relate to.I'm sure the loss of Rusty
Crowe was a crushing blow to the Central Figures'
camp.What I heard in this album was three very
talented musicians,but also more importantly were
three independently talented individuals.I sincerely hope to see Central Figures regroup and emerge as a
new,more experienced enlightened band.To not do so
would deny us all of some great moving music that we are all searching for.This should be only one of the unique releases by a fantastic new band to come our
way.Keep tuned in here and we'll let you know when
the new album comes out.Meanwhile check out this
website to listen and order the CD href="http://www.newevolution.com/theframepage.asp">
"True To Life".
So until next time keep your ears to the tunes, your eyes on the road and keep in touch with us ...Donna
WebSpawner Page Machine
Send E-Mail to: DowneastReviews@webtv.net