chris powers. s/t and last exit eps. review by alan haber. buhdge

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Chris Powers (2001), last exit (2002) EPs Chris Powers Vibratone There's not so much, so far, but what is is pretty fantastic. Chris Powers' two EPs, together clocking in at under half an hour, present the work of a confident singer-songwriter simultaneously shaking hands with melodic pop conventions and embracing a gentle rock beat. He is a genuine find, this marvel from a musical family, and quite welcome in these crazy days. Playing everything but keyboards (co-producer Quentin Jennings sings backup), Powers opens his self-titled debut strong with the instantly memorable, catchy "Wish Away," a song about wishing and making it so. The spare-sounding "Fireflies" bristles with emotion. "What's It All About" hooks as it tackles the senses with a perfectly understated percussion track. Throughout, Powers' strong voice, all feeling, all the time, sensitive and powerful almost simultaneously, shines as the cherry on top of his pop creations. Powers' latest EP release, last exit, is a natural progression for the artist, even better than his first go, with more up-front vocals and even better hooks. The upbeat "Bittersweet," in particular, is most appealing, a bouncy rumination on the signs of love. "Setting Sun" starts out all Who-like, piling on the power chords for a bluesy, rocking workout. The disc's two other songs are equally as enthralling, with the magnetic "Fall to Pieces," during which the narrator croons about being stranded in Brooklyn's Williamsburg section, short on cash, and equally short on long-standing romance, the pick to click (dig those wonderful harmonies). I guess that, wherever you are, you're about as stranded as you choose to be. If I were going to a desert island, I'd take along these two EPs to keep me sane during the crazy days. Alan Haber February 26, 2005
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Chris Powers (2001), last exit (2002) EPs
Chris Powers
Vibratone

chris powers' chris powers There's not so much, so far, but what is is pretty fantastic. Chris Powers' two EPs, together clocking in at under half an hour, present the work of a confident singer-songwriter simultaneously shaking hands with melodic pop conventions and embracing a gentle rock beat. He is a genuine find, this marvel from a musical family, and quite welcome in these crazy days.

Playing everything but keyboards (co-producer Quentin Jennings sings backup), Powers opens his self-titled debut strong with the instantly memorable, catchy "Wish Away," a song about wishing and making it so. The spare-sounding "Fireflies" bristles with emotion. "What's It All About" hooks as it tackles the senses with a perfectly understated percussion track. Throughout, Powers' strong voice, all feeling, all the time, sensitive and powerful almost simultaneously, shines as the cherry on top of his pop creations.

chris powers' last exit ep Powers' latest EP release, last exit, is a natural progression for the artist, even better than his first go, with more up-front vocals and even better hooks. The upbeat "Bittersweet," in particular, is most appealing, a bouncy rumination on the signs of love. "Setting Sun" starts out all Who-like, piling on the power chords for a bluesy, rocking workout. The disc's two other songs are equally as enthralling, with the magnetic "Fall to Pieces," during which the narrator croons about being stranded in Brooklyn's Williamsburg section, short on cash, and equally short on long-standing romance, the pick to click (dig those wonderful harmonies).

I guess that, wherever you are, you're about as stranded as you choose to be. If I were going to a desert island, I'd take along these two EPs to keep me sane during the crazy days.

Alan Haber
February 26, 2005