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Best known for his work with California-based indie-pop outfit Apple Orchard, singer-songwriter Ryan Marquez has been involved with a new pop project called The Haircuts, a band that features Marquez singing, playing guitars and keyboards. His partner this time is Teresa Daniele who sings, plays percussion and plays some guitar. 

And like Apple Orchard, the Haircuts embrace that twee sound made popular with fans of acts like Bella Vista and the Best Wishes as well as Sarah Records artists like the Field Mice and Another Sunny Day. 

Their subdued and romantic pop sound kicks off with "It's In the Stars." Daniele takes over lead vocals on the pretty "5 mph" and the poppier cover of Oklahoma Scramble's "Street" but the Haircuts work best when Marquez and Daniele share vocal duties as they do on the aforementioned "It's In the Stars" and the gorgeous song "Umbrella Day." 

"Together forever with you" is repeated over the horn-like sounds coming from Marquez's Casio. Too cute! 

The disc ends with the mid-tempo "Summer," with Daniele working hard to hit those high notes. 

And for you Apple Orchard fans out there, Marquez and his brother Dale Marquez have been working on some new material to follow up 2003's Here Comes Winter. A sneak peek at their newest material shows a band that is improving with each song. The bittersweet strumminess of "Summer Memories" is indie-pop at its best. 

Andrew West Griffin  May 21, 2005