New Jersey's Grey Eye Glances began their career rooted in '70s folkie-prog of U.K. bands like Fairport Convention and Renaissance. But they were also informed by a raft of evolving alt-pop and subtle country influences th... more »at bubbled to the surface on Painted Pictures and Eventide, drawing favorable comparisons to 10,000 Maniacs in the bargain. Voodoo finds those sensibilities blossoming (burnished by a lineup of producers that includes Jerry Marotta, Paul Bryan, and the band itself) into a full-bodied sound that ably demonstrates how thoroughly the alt consciousness has become mainstream. The occasionally precious melodic sense of previous albums gets a tougher edge on "The One" and is downright muscular on tracks like "Close You Eyes" and "Keep On." That bigger-is-better gambit has pushed vocalist Jennifer Noble (often compared to Natalie Merchant, but with a commanding sense of vocal drama here that recalls Aimee Mann as well) to good effect, encompassing the spare, haunting melancholy of "Good Folks" and "Even," the rhythmic pop of "Oh No," and even some surprisingly straightforward rock turns. It's this last sensibility--exemplified by the riff-heavy guitar assault of "He and She" and Noble's sweet and gritty way with a pop hook--that may take Grey Eye fans by surprise. Voodoo's expansive production and harder edges may be a long way from the band's coffeehouse roots, but it's a compelling argument for their restless ambition. --Jerry McCulley« less
New Jersey's Grey Eye Glances began their career rooted in '70s folkie-prog of U.K. bands like Fairport Convention and Renaissance. But they were also informed by a raft of evolving alt-pop and subtle country influences that bubbled to the surface on Painted Pictures and Eventide, drawing favorable comparisons to 10,000 Maniacs in the bargain. Voodoo finds those sensibilities blossoming (burnished by a lineup of producers that includes Jerry Marotta, Paul Bryan, and the band itself) into a full-bodied sound that ably demonstrates how thoroughly the alt consciousness has become mainstream. The occasionally precious melodic sense of previous albums gets a tougher edge on "The One" and is downright muscular on tracks like "Close You Eyes" and "Keep On." That bigger-is-better gambit has pushed vocalist Jennifer Noble (often compared to Natalie Merchant, but with a commanding sense of vocal drama here that recalls Aimee Mann as well) to good effect, encompassing the spare, haunting melancholy of "Good Folks" and "Even," the rhythmic pop of "Oh No," and even some surprisingly straightforward rock turns. It's this last sensibility--exemplified by the riff-heavy guitar assault of "He and She" and Noble's sweet and gritty way with a pop hook--that may take Grey Eye fans by surprise. Voodoo's expansive production and harder edges may be a long way from the band's coffeehouse roots, but it's a compelling argument for their restless ambition. --Jerry McCulley
"The band Grey Eye Glances continues to amaze me. How many musicians that started off playing gigs at local bookstores have grown enough to create such a wonderful album as this? As the big corporate labels have ruined rock music with mass-marketed pop songs aimed at sheepish teenagers, bands like Grey Eye Glances show off great talent and songwriting abilities for adults with taste and appreciation.Its with a little sadness that I first heard this album, so polished and professional, reminding me that this "local" band is poised to break out into areas besides their little east coast niche. How much longer will this little secret last? Dwayne Keith's songwriting won't stay hidden for long, Brett Kull is an amazing guitar, and if Jen Nobel is being compared to Natalie Merchant and Aimee Mann, then how much longer until she is always casually mentioned in the same breath as these two artists?"A Little Voodoo" is just a great album, building on the older albums, and bridging into other areas. The addition of Brett Kull seems to have had a great positive influence on the band, as shown in songs like "He and She", which is the first GEG song that could be considered a "rock" song. Production is great, although it took me by surprise, since the intros were a different turn for the band. The experimentation with different instruments continues, and really adds to the songs. Of course, the songwriting is still as strong, as "Good Folks" keeps the dreamier style, and "Big Red Boat" is another "feel good song of the year." Call your adult-alternative radio stations and demand they play the single "Close Your Eyes" which will hopefully open the eyes of people starving for good music."
The best of the best
Robert E Smyth | Northern New Jersey | 06/18/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If you could take only one CD with you to that desert island, this would be it. With a perfect combination of music and lyrics, you simply will not tire of listening to "A Little Voodoo". The tracks run the gamut of musical styles, but all feature the perfect voice of Jennifer Nobel, the incredible harmonies of Dwayne, Eric and Brett, and the unmistakable Grey Eye Glances sound. A real treat for GEG fans and a great introduction to the band for first-time listeners. Grey Eye Glances has never sounded better."
You will love this!
Aulie | River, DE | 04/09/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I love this CD. It's not like anything else I own. The lyrics are beautiful and the music is really diverse. It's soft at times and rockin' at other times. The tunes will stay in your head long after you listen to them. The singer's voice is beautiful."
YOU WANT THIS CD!!!!
Nicole DiCicco | Louisville, KY | 01/21/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Was voodoo magic involved in the writing and recording of the latest studio album by Philadelphia area band Grey Eye Glances? Perhaps "A Little." What else could explain the conjuring of perfect instrumentation, harmonies, and lyrics? The CD starts out with "Close Your Eyes," more of a rock tune in the folk-rock genre the band occupies. If you attend a live show, Dwayne Keith, keyboarder, background vocalist, and primary songwriter, would comment that this song was written about the book The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand. The chorus echoes, "close your eyes, we are buildings, we're so amazing, close your eyes, we are movement, we're all-inspiring..." Anyone who has read the book knows these sentiments sing of Ayn's philosophy. A well-rounded, literate, and musically adept band - intriguing, isn't it? The tempo is kept at a steady pace with the next 2 songs, "Oh No," a song new to this album, and "If I Was," a recap of an old favorite about the lengths we go to in order to be close to the object of our affection, or should I say, obsession? The first slow song on the CD is a new one, called "The One." A self-proclaimed love song, it captures perfectly the moment when love is born into an unsuspecting situation. Half-way through the CD you land on "Big Red Boat," the dancy, sing-along single from this album. You can't help but join in singing..."la da da da, la da da da, ...I'm building a big red boat, building a big red boat, with full intentions to set sail..." The rocking pace is kept up by "He and She." The poetic soul of GEG is bared once again in another oldie but a GOODIE, "Even." It is one of my favorites, but let the lyrics speak for themselves..."the figure in the mirror's searching for some perspective from some healer anyway, we both play games we despise. And should they come to bring you just a small bit closer to yourself, remember we are neither of us wise..." A dreamer's anthem, the second to last song, "Keep On," will inspire you to push for that extra mile when things look dark. Rounding out this excellent offering is, "All Because of You," a nostalgic look at love and life. If you are a fan of flowing melodies, poetry, and angelic voices akin to Sarah McLachlan, you owe it to yourself to get this CD and become acquainted with this intense and poetic band. And if you like what you hear, go see them when they come to your state, and buy the rest of their catalog of CDs, you won't be sorry!!"
A lush soundscape of melodic music to enjoy...
Richard Smithe | California | 07/04/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If Grey Eye Glances are ever to hit mainstream success, this cd is definitely not going to get them massive airplay along side the bubble gum, pseudo rock, rap rock that currently horde precious radio air time. Once again, Grey Eye Glances has released a collection of inspired music assembling their talent as a group. Each band member made contributions to each of the songs either musically, lyrically, or in the production of the album. While gone is the folky progressive sounds found on Eventide and Painted Pictures. We find that the band has gained an edge with straight on rockers like "He and She," and the fun "If I Was" and "Big Red Boat." Yet, we find that Jen Noble's voice can still envoke such a wave of emotions through beautiful songs such a "Good Folks," and "Even." Perhaps the biggest treats come in pop gems like "Close Your Eyes," which is very Sarah Mclachan-esque; and the Jen Noble/Dwayne Keith penned "Oh No," and "The One." If mainstream radio would wake up and devote some time to quality music, bands such as Grey Eye Glances could easily find their music being played in radios across the nation. Easily half of the album could prove to be potential radio singles if given the chance. Then again... for Grey Eye Glances it has never been about radio airplay. As every respectable indie band knows, it's simply all about making the music! Buy "A Little Voodoo" and experience the songs and sounds that you've been missing."