NME REVIEW by April Long
18th July 1998

ETHER - STRANGE (Parlophone)

APPROPRIATE TITLE, THAT, FOR TRULY, Ether's Rory Meredith possesses one of the strangest voices in Christdom. Imagine, if you will, something between adolescent Michael Jackson with an adenoid problem and Tom Petty with half a tounge. Singing underwater.

Meredith's voice plagues 'Strange' to the extent that one must resort to platitudes of the 'it's charming, really, rather like The Wannadies' variety in order to survive even the first track. But once this hurdle is crossed, and delicate tunings are made to the hi-fi so as to diminish his nasal hum, serious enjoyment can commence.

For this is a fine venture into exhilarating, if shallow, pure pop - fraught with deft hooks and infectious melodies. Even though conventional wisdom tells us to drea Welsh power trios who make liberal use of the My Life Story string section, 'Watching You' is marvellously cheesy - and, cruically, doesn't seem to know it. 'Without You' would make a fantastic Stevie Wonder song; and 'Roadworks' is sweetly, unself-consciously Beatles-esque. The rest, despite a few hopelessly staid numbers (the smarmy 'I Love her Anyway', for one), are replete with the joyful sound of Elvis Costello and Squeeze jumping all over Placebo in a boouncy castle.

Proceed with caution, however, Repeated plays are required in order to pass beyond the annoyance barrier. Excessive volume may cause complaints from neighbours and possible traffic accidents. And remember: admitting you like this recordmust be done carefully, and never around Gomez fans.

Beware the voice, Heed the tunes.

April Long.

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Last Updated 18/07/98