One From Ten
Artist: Soulflower
Label: SURF Records
URL: http://www.trader.com/wat/surf
Length: 9 tracks/34:25
Soulflower definitely gets points for originality with their album One From Ten A mix of post-grunge a la Creed, 80's retro vocals, and a solid acoustic/electric guitar base, Soulflower manages to put together some quality songs from a blend of genres that are usually incompatible.
The music end of Soulflower reminds me most of bands like Collective Soul and Days of the New, with solid electric and acoustic guitars muted and subdued behind the vocals. The vocals themselves lean towards a 1980's sound, and while lacking somewhat in range and power, they are never stretched to the point where such flaws become obvious. The songs themselves never advance beyond simple sing-along verse and choruses, but are well-played and complemented by decent production. The lyrics have a sense of openness and honesty, for example the lyrics to "cry":
With an overall original sound and good lyrics Soulflower has put together a decent release, although it is hindered by its relative shortness and somewhat outdated music styles.
By Joe Rockstroh (11/10/98)
