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reviews | commentary | lyrics | liner notes | credits
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"Critics' pick: Top ten most deserving albums of 1993." - Billboard Magazine "Entirely original and completely involving, this Cincinnati band's delicate musical poetry provides a direct link to the work of the masters of deeply-affecting pop. Shimmering economical arrangements allow Karin Bergquist's expressive voice to steer dreamy, elegant songs." "Tuesday will be a very big day in the life of this Cincinnati-based band. That is the official release day of the group's major label debut, 'Patience.' And it is also a big day for fans of scintillatingly listenable pop, here delivered through the powerful throat of lead singer Karin Bergquist and by the musically inspired players surrounding her. Airy and bright compositions enlivened by a flexibly wondrous voice... Go find this record, buy it immediately and then know you possess the first big-time release by one of the finest new American bands this year." "Patience, Over the Rhine's second album and first for a major label, is a riveting work--the best I've heard in a long time. It's worth 10 stars. The Cincinnati group's singer, Karin Bergquist, grabs hold of the listener on the first track and only reluctantly lets go at the end. Her vocals are a silk thread that binds the group's satisfying blend of rock, jazz and folk. Although she also plays acoustic guitar, it's her voice that brings shading to the group's visual and musical images. The album has a common theme of love and death and the joy and pain that surrounds these. The first cut, an arresting number called Jacksie, seems to comfort a man who has lost a lover with the knowledge that her spirit remains with him: 'They laid her in the ground/She still comes around/A love that never dies/Takes you by surprise.' Bergquist shines..." "Two words come to mind repeatedly when listening to Patience, the national, major-label debut from Over the Rhine. Those two words are strange and wonderful. The lyrics, primarily the work of Detweiler, are literate, full of obscure metaphors and terrific turns of phrases in equal numbers. And Detweiler's vocabulary is superb. When was the last time you heard "festoons" used in a pop song, or "myriad," or... On the wonderful side, Patience is filled with haunting, rapturous music. This music transports us to a world beyond. Bergquist's voice is both supple and strong. Most of the music is composed by Detweiler, who also produces with a sure and steady hand. Detweiler has an amazing touch with pop music. He is willing to experiment as well, allowing the band's unique presence to shine through. Captivating." "Grade A+. The best new pop disc of 1993. The frist thing that strikes you is Karin Bergquist whose voice manages to sound feathery and substantial at the same time, fluttering over and around melodies which from a less skillful throat could sound jagged, but which from hers sound simple and obvious. In fact, the feeling of casual virtuosity is everywhere on this album--these are master musicians who are apparently secure enough to resist showing off. The next thing you notice are the lyrics. I've been a music head my whole life, and I don't believe I've ever come across a line as tight, as apt and as unusual as "I'm the moth that's resting on your windowsill/With a lust for light and an iron will." The last thing you notice is how you feel when this remarkable album is over. There is no cheap catharsis and no easy feel-good manipulation in its music or words, but you are left feeling clean, refreshed and somehow encouraged. Find this disc and realize how worthwhile pop music can be." "Haunting and ethereal, revealing a band with a ton of promise, a sense of direction and a very definite sound to be reckoned with." "I can't help feeling that we have something very unique on our hands when it comes to Over the Rhine. It is truly rare that an independent band comes along with a completely original sound wrapped up in a beautifully produced and packaged album. Over the Rhine defies the status quo by releasing two albums that stand up to any label releases, and surpass most hands down. Their debut, "Till We Have Faces" set quite a watermark for this Cincinnati group to live up to. "Patience" does more than live up to its predecessor's quality, it surpasses it. OtR has perfected their blend of alternative pop into one of the most beautiful recordings I've ever experienced. A Mideastern horn opens the first cut "Jacksie" which quickly transfroms into an emotional, clear and mystical song. Karin Bergquist's sultry voice is at its best throughout this recording, but "I've Been Slipping" seems to especially showcase its beauty. Never before have I seen an independent band achieve this level of artistry after only two albums. I would almost guarantee that Over the Rhine will someday be among the most respected and appreciated bands in the world. Until then? Patience." "Very melodic, a strong soulful voice, engaging, with a tendency towards the unusual. Abstract and minimalist at times... Meaningful songwriting and engaging vocals, a compelling album." "Over the Rhine has all the makings of a great band. Unorthodox but instantly memorable melodies, a distinctive identity, and a lead singer both ethereal and earthy. This band may become important... For now, though, Patience is a lovely document of a band whose reach exceeds its grasp." "Intelligently focused, clear-headed melodies. Filled with refreshing, introspective, simply lovely tunes." "Dreamy textures, an exceptional recording. Crisp, palpable, earthy." "Not your average Midwestern band. Simple but passionate musicianship, strong songwriting, a welcome stylistic change. The musical pace here is generally mid-tempo and seductive with Karin Bergquist's translucent vocals carrying the melodies. And her words are inspired, clearly articulated, sung deeply amidst the solid but swelling rhythms and guitar lines." "Over the Rhine breathes new life into today's suffocating pop culture. Patience deserves a listen for its strong vocals and moving lyrics which blend well with the breezy guitar riffs. So dismiss the second wind of grunge and the last gasps of techno for the inspiring sounds of Over the Rhine." "Over the Rhine makes albums that are the stuff of legends. Patience bears a deep rich finish that's usually found on recordings that have stood the test of time. But enough of this beating around the bush. Patience beats hands down any second-effort album released by the majors in 1992. Period. End of story." |
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