Search - Alexys Sweeney :: Finding Shane

A fitting memorial

El Centro | 03/02/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Being a fan of obscure and rare music, I was lucky to have stumbled upon this self-released title from Alexys Sweeney. I'm assuming this is her first release; I couldn't find anything else about her or her previous musical work and because of that, what I would normally dock points for here are overlooked, such as somewhat unreadable notes on the back of the case and quirky song titles.



Quirky song titles? Yes. On any other type of album, the song titles would be appropriate, but this album presents itself as a memorial to a child who died in 1991-- titles like "australian in a toll booth" don't seem to lend any relevance to the somber atmosphere. Perhaps more detailed liner notes are in order here.



Aside from that minor nit-pick, I find little else to whine and complain about. Ms. Sweeney presents a dreamy and innocent mood that contrasts the inquisitive and playful nature of childhood with the languid and unpleasant peace of death. I can hear touches of Debussy in each track, as well as touches from contemporary neoclassical artists on the prikosnovenie record label.



A fascinating, if a bit chilling first release. I hope to hear more from her, as she's clearly sitting atop a well of creativity that is yet to be fully tapped."