here's what some people had to say about
us
(if that sort of thing matters to you...)
review
of (:as seen through a thin sheet of glass)
from
www.storylinerecords.com
Guitars, (electric, acoustic and bass) vox, percussion, (standard,
electronic, congas, djembe) zither, piano, synth bass, tambourine, organ,
answering machines, telephones, voice modifier, melodica, spoons, glass
jars, toy xylophones, and random household goods have all been accounted
for on this incredible album that takes you away at times on what it feels
like to be on some sort of acid that you've never tried. As seen through a
thin sheet of glass Zelda Pinwheel's six song album that whisks you away
into a dreamy world with entertaining song writing, and poignant,
harmonious vocals that leave you begging for more...
Rating: ***1/2
a review of a ZELDA PINWHEEL live show on NOVEMBER 30, 2001 @ the saint in
asbury park, nj.
written by kerri daskin.
published in 'The Two River Times' in the week of december 14-21, 2001
Zelda Pinwheel, a local band from Middletown, played a show at The Saint
in Asbury Park on November 30. It was the band's first scheduled show in
nearly two years and they performed with a stripped down line-up.
Cousins Stephen Quaranta and James Dellatacoma create the abstract,
all-encompassing sound that makes Zelda Pinwheel startlingly unique. A
tremendous amount of growth has occurred in these two musicians in the
last two years and their different styles are gelling more than ever.
Moving away from the more melodic songs they were performing and recording
for their album "As Seen Through a Thin Sheet of Glass", which was
released May, 2001 by the band's own record company Transparent Voice
Records, Quaranta and Dellatacoma performed a seamless set of dizzying
delayed and heavily affected guitar licks. This sound was accented by
several other instruments including a melodica (small keyboard that makes
sound when you blow air through it - made known by the Kinks), a toy
xylophone, a voice modification device, a drum machine, tape loops, a
screwdriver for sound effects on the guitar, a violin bow and the E-Bow, a
device which makes Quaranta's guitar playing sound more like an entire
string section.
Zelda Pinwheel generally plays at smaller venues such as the Internet Cafe
in Red Bank and Cafe 52 in New Brunswick. "It was nice to be able to play
loud and to use the electronics we have been playing around with," said
Quaranta.
Quaranta's style is infused with a post-rock artsy feeling and his
creative edge echoes that of bands like godspeed you black emperor! and
Mogwai. Dellatacoma's style reflected his interest in all types of music
including heavy metal and funk. His guitar playing added soul to the mix.
The combination of the two styles made their performance a journey through
a disjointed but gorgeous universe for the listeners. The crowd at The
Saint, which had been warmed up by more typical bar bands No Soap Radio
and Glen Closer, stood quietly listening to Zelda Pinwheel's unusual
sound.
The songs, according to Quaranta, are not the same every time. "We have
motifs, basically," he said, calling their style of playing "structured
improvisation." "We want them to be recognizable songs," he said, "but not
the same recognizable song every time."
The set consisted of four songs, one blurring into the next. "And the Blue
Stretched for Miles" and "The Fabric of Our Lives" are new songs and
"Serenity (now!)" and "Circles for the Blind" are from the album. Some of
the songs include some vocals by Quaranta, showcasing his unusually strong
voice.
Zelda Pinwheel's set was followed by a performance by the band, Celesphere.
Dellatacoma is a sound engineer for well-known producer Bill Laswell at
his production company, Material. Quaranta is a substitute teacher in
Staten Island and a part-time employee at Jack's Music in Red Bank. The
two cousins have been playing together since they were children. They are
currently recording another album.
According to Quaranta, the band is trying to set up some shows in both New
York City and Philadelphia for later this winter. You can find out more
about the band or purchase "As Seen Through a Thin Sheet of Glass" at
their website, www.zeldapinwheel.com. The band can be seen almost every
Sunday night at the Internet Cafe in Red Bank.
a guestbook post by
BRIAN McGary of CELESPHERE
'i enjoy your cd more & more each time i listen to it, & i stress that
last verb because just "hearing" the record, while good for putting me in
a warm slumber, doesn't do the sonic intricacies justice.' |