Ashby, "Power Ballads." Imagine Carole King fronting St. Etienne and
you have Ashby. Singer-songwriter Evelyn Pope alludes to the classic
pop songwriting of the Brill Building era, with classic hooks and
sunny optimism, augmented by pithy character sketches and wry
observations. There's more than a little dash of Aimee Mann in her
work. Her voice has a slight, distinctive rasp to it, perfect for
the electronic/ bossa nova/ dreampop backdrop formulated by Pope's
partner in crime William Cowie. His production work is crisp and
bright—it's equal parts Beach Boys at their most abstract and Air at
their poppiest.
http://www.ashbymusic.com

Violet Indiana, "Casino." This compilation of EPs is a
disappointment after VI's debut. The mix of Robin Guthrie's watery
guitar and Sioban de Mare's film noir chanteuse act, so alluring
on "Roulette" here becomes dreary and forced. None of the songs are
developed; instead, there's just a wall of atmosphere and Concept
(Cocteau Twins meets Portishead) that doesn't really go anywhere.
Even taken in small doses as they were intended, they become
monotonous. Here's hoping that the next release strengthens their
songwriting skills.
http://www.bellaunion.com

--Craig