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MadelynIris, formed in 1999 by husband and wife duo Mark and Carrie Munsell, may well represent the future of independent music. The band has taken the notion of "independence" to a level that has only become possible in the last couple of years, completely eschewing record labels large and small in favor of the burgeoning MP3 format. The band has been remarkably successful, registering well over 100,000 downloads from MP3.com and frequently placing in various download and sales charts on that site. Fans of the "artistic pop" of Over the Rhine and Sixpence None the Richer will find a lot to like in MadelynIris. Drawing on influences ranging from U2 (the band does an excellent cover of "Drowning Man") to Sarah McLachlan, and from Jars of Clay to K's Choice, the band creates a style that is compelling, if difficult to classify. The vocals, by classically trained vocalist Carrie Munsell, are strong, if occasionally a bit too polished. Mark Munsell's guitar style varies from lush and ambient ("Where I Stand", "Here") to upbeat and jangly ("Strong"). The band's lyrics are clearly inspired by their faith, but are written with a poetic flair that prevents them from seeming preachy or obvious. The production on some tracks seems a bit off, with the drums or vocals too high in the mix, but that's a minor complaint. For more information about the band, visit their website at http://www.madelyniris.com/. For MP3 downloads or to order the band's CDs, MadelynIris and Overflow With Tears, visit http://mp3.com/madelyniris. Jerry Ray 3/29/2000
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