Redivider
Oktober 2000
Black Rhythm/Pink Records
On “All Dressed Up” this tension is very present. Sometimes it works out beautifully like on the more melodic and radio-friendly skiffle-pop of Rainy Days or the mightily impressive and introspective Wastelands, which is aptly complemented by a gorgeous string arrangement.
Building up songs within their essence in the tradition of Buffalo Springfield, CSNY, The Band and obviously The Beatles is a modus operandi Redivider accomplishes with ease. That is not to say that they don’t color outside of the lines at times. On one such occasion, the raw Zippin’ which is one of the first tracks penned for the album, the band achieves something you rarely see in songs by bands that are just starting out. Zippin’ sounds different every listen and every time you discover something new. The way the different layers of the song intersect and intercede makes for a complex song that never comes across as complex.
Throughout the album the band manages to stay relevant and balanced though there are several songs that don’t work out as well as the ones mentioned. This Empty Bed, It’s Not Her and D-Tuned Spirit are quite nice but lack the depth, intensity or ultimate connection the rest of the disc does manage to capture.
There’s no doubt Redivider is an immense talent and there is also no doubt they delivered one of the most appealing records of the year. I would just very much like to see this band grow and develop and bring us something even more complete in the future. For now, however, they leave us with a very impressive debut record that has a number of timeless songs on it.