Elizabeth & the Catapults - Taller Children

I heard some grumbling about this band a while back and thought I'd try them out. Mike Mogis produced the record, which is always a great start for me, that was recorded at his home studio in Nebraska where so many other great artists have plied their trade. Elizabeth Ziman's voice is wonderfully pleasing but I don't think the band really pulls it off on this, their major-label debut, record. Her vocals possess a bit of Amanda Palmer's (Dresden Dolls) theatrics, but not near as much cleverness or shocking direction; her lyrics contains a bit of the emotion that made Fiona Apple so appealing as well, but not the edge; and the band's poppiness is sprightly but not as compelling as the Bird and the Bee. The range of styles on the record is the most impressing aspect of the record, but they just aren't there yet. Hey, everyone has to start somewhere. I hope they are given the chance to continue growing.

I kept:

Momma's Boy

Right Next to You

Grade: 4.2