I thought I'd share a couple of the reviews we've gotten on our album so far. We've even gotten a couple from Europe, which we can't read, but when you put them into a translation program, they are pretty cool... (Oh and by the way have you seen the new photos we've posted??) Anyway...
From Americana UK:
Cyndi Harvell "The Night Turned to Song" (Fortune Records, 2009)
Witty confessionals from veteran of Athens GA
Cyndi Harvell cut her musical teeth playing in Athens, Georgia; a city noted for its rich musical history, but on her fifth release “The Night Turned to Song” she is in no way weighted down by such roots, rather occasionally indebted to them.
In fact the record as a whole operates on its own terms, it’s breezy, urbane and sometimes a little precious. It mines a familiar female singer-songwriter vein but not in any way that is derivative or boring, even if some tracks do call to mind the glossier possibilities of that vein as typified by the likes of Michelle Branch. Mostly though there is a folksier Laurel Canyon vibe running through the record, and great use is made of slide guitar and harmonies, even if their effect is diluted somewhat by an ever present tasteful pop sheen. This mould is occasionally stretched, as on the countrified shuffle of “The Light” or the swampy lead guitar and jaunty vocal of “Strongest Man Alive”.
Lyrically, “The Night Turned to Song” is populated by smartly written confessionals, concerning themselves with dissatisfaction and ennui and at times recalling Aimee Mann in her more witty moments. There are stories of lives that have reached standstills and are in need of change, though some tracks (“Horoscope”, “Photographs”) also deal with an unwillingness to enact such change, their narrators stuck in familiar patterns that they aren’t prepared to break: “...I’m waiting for the reason and the moment to agree/Waiting for photographs to find me...”. This duality creates a unique and compelling tension in the songwriting and imbues it with more personal dimensions.
“The Night Turned to Song” is a pleasure to listen to, and its occasional concessions to a more radio friendly sound belie a very noteworthy talent.
Actual Link: http://www.americana-uk.com/auk/modules.php?op=modload&name=Reviews&file=index&req=showcontent&id=4437
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From mwe3.com:
In a twist of fate, famed producer Jack Douglas put a good word in to the ear of record label owner Jim Greer who then went on to sign singer-songwriter Cyndi Harvell. Getting her footing in the mini music mecca of Athens, GA., Harvell made her way out to the West Coast, starting out with her acoustic trio. Harvell herself is modestly surprised at the way her band morphed form coffee shop trio to full sounding pop-rock band. On her 2009 CD, The Night Turned To Song, Harvell’s songs, vocals and acoustic guitar receive fine support from Jim Greer (on bass) with key contributions from John Howland (electric guitars, weissenborn, slide guitar) and Mike Stevens (drums and percussion). As they unwind, Harvell’s songs rock softly with dependable hooks and solid instrumentation. Harvell cites icons from Madonna to Soundgarden as early influences and one can also detect influences like Edie Brickell and Stevie Nicks in the mix. All told, Harvell is off to an impressive start as a solo artist with The Night Turned To Song. Let’s hope she gets to further cultivate her song writing and vocal craft. www.CyndiHarvell.com
Actual Link: http://www.mwe3.com/reviews/CyndiHarvell09/
 | Currently listening:
Middle Cyclone
By Neko Case
Release date: 2009-03-03 |
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