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Mojave 3
Ask me Tomorrow
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With the death of the "shoe gazer" movement that dominated the
British music scene in the early '90's came the end of some really
great music. Most of the prevalent bands that headed the
"shoegazer" movement ie. Ride, Pale Saints, Boo Radleys, and My
Bloody Valentine, have either broken up, radically altered their
style, or simply haven't released anything in a few years.
One of the best bands to emerge from the "Shoegazer" movement was
Slowdive. But in mid '95 after the release of the beautifully
minimalistic Pygmalion, Slowdive fell apart. However, a short time
later three former members of Slowdive have resurfaced with a new
name, a new sound, and a new record label. Mojave 3 is the name
that Neal Halstead, Racheal Goswell, and Ian McCutcheon are going
by now. And they signed a deal with the legendary 4AD.
Ask me Tomorrow is the first release from the trio. It is
hauntingly refreshing. The layers of processed guitars and effects
that were so much a part of the Slowdive sound have now given way
to acoustic guitars, piano, cen way
to acoustic guitars, piano, cello and other traditional
instruments. The traditional instrumentation creates a pristine
environment for the gorgeous harmonies of Goswell and Halstead.
The band's sound has been compared to a cross between Cowboy
Junkies and Mazzy Star, primarily due to the slide guitar used in
the opening track, and first single "Love Songs on The Radio". The
rest of the album, however, has few similarities to the above
mentioned artists. It does have a bold, stark beauty that will grab
the attention of any fan of good music.
Wade Chamberlain
© 1996, Rational Alternative Digital