One listen to New York-based Blush 66, and you might find yourself saying out loud, "These guys sound like someone else I've heard before... but who?"

It took several listens to their five-song EP Domecstasy for me to pin it down... and I'm still not convinced I have the lineage perfect. But This five-piece pop-rock band sounds like a cross between Alanis Morissette and No Doubt - and the end result is pleasant, but nothing spectacular.

Led by vocalist Laura Jean, Blush 66 has a bit of an electronica sound to their music while keeping both a pop sensibility about them ("Understand," "Velvet") and just a slight hint of shock value ("After All This Time"). The core of the band - guitarist Anthony Plank, bassist Joey Monteverde and keyboardist Eddie Plank - are competent enough, but one finds themself wishing that someone would burst forth with something spectacular. As for drummer Arthur Adams, the only criticism is that it sounds like his drumming is synthesized. Sorry, but I'm a purist when it comes to drums.

Domecstasy might mirror the sounds of a famous artist or two, but don't let that fool you. The band does put its own unique stamp on the music - though their style is still very much in development, and hasn't grown into its own yet. Given a little more time and polish, Blush 66 could well be a band to deal with in the crowded adult-contemporary or AOR field. They're just not there yet... though that's not meant to be a criticism against the group.

Domecstasy is an interesting portrait of a group in development, and one wonders what Blush 66 will do with the knowledge they gained with this disc.

Rating: B-

User Rating: Not Yet Rated

Comments