Michelangelo - a Review of The Phantom Tollbooth

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acoustic ep Artist: Michelangelo Label: Worthless Records Length: 5 tracks/18:20 min.

Michelangelo and the Difference were quickly gaining popularity with their first major label release, Under Rower, when their then label,Cadence Communications, went under in 1998. Michelangelo and the Difference have continued to play together, mostly around their home state of Arizona, but have not released another album. acoustic ep is a solo project from Michelangelo Caggiano, lead singer of Michelangelo and the Difference. It is a definite departure from the band's rock and roll sound. With acoustic ep, Michelangelo Caggiano explores a more delicate side of acoustic-driven modern rock.

Michelangelo definitely has the vocal abilities to perform the sort of introspective modern rock found
on this album. He has a rich vibrato that stands strong on its own. The album opens with harmonious vocals and acoustic guitar. The first track, "Precious Rose," deals with the struggles of a fatherless girl:

Precious rose in a field of thorns
Perfect beauty but her hands are worn
From reaching out she's holding it in
She's taken the hurt, now she's spinning again

The lyrics on this album are often poetic and include a very poignant acoustic version of "Daddy," a song about taking your pain and fears to God:

Daddy I need to talk to you
It's about all the pain I've been through
No one seems to understand
So I bring all my hurt to you
Can I bring my hidden scars to You
The one's that aren't allowed in church
I feel so lonely with my burdens hear
Please help me I want to be free

While the lyrics are inspiring, the music leaves a little bit to be desired. The four music tracks (track 5 is a spoken word poem) are very similar and become repetitive by the end of the disc, almost boring. What starts with sometimes beautiful lyrics and a very strong voice ends up being a slightly above-average coffee house, acoustic rock disc. Considering that acoustic ep is basically an indie release, the production is very good. There is some nice layering on "Walking Home," the aforementiond spoken poem set to some beautiful, mellow music.

Overall, this is a decent acoustic disc and I would recommend it for fans of the genre. If you are
looking for another Michelangelo and The Difference disc, keep waiting.

Matthew Riddle 8/12/2000