September-October 2006
the beige 01,the
beige
(independent)
From the opening track of the beige's first release, appropriately labelled 01, it's apparent that this Vancouver quintet is no gang of inexperienced players. Members of the beige have done time in ensembles as diverse as acclaimed East Van duo Flophouse Jr. and the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. Despite their different backgrounds, the five musicians have combined their talents to create a seamless alt-pop album. 01 is a collection of complex instrumentals like "Bad Man Outside" and pop tunes like "Lord I Wish I Was"--a seven-minute track featuring a jazzy keyboard solo from bandmember Andrew Arida. Strong lyrics mixed with the sounds of lap steel and tenor guitar make 01 a promising debut that deserves attention from outside the band's local scene.
-Christine Davidson
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