Search - Mike Viola & The Candy Butchers :: Falling Into Place

Pure Power Pop by a Natural

isaac | middle of the pacific | 07/10/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Creating a three-minute pop song is nothing less than an artform, but Mike Viola makes it seem like a breeze. His songwriting is sharp, his gravely tenor voice fits perfectly, the hooks abound, and producer Bob Clearmountain adds a bright, "up-front" 90's polish to it all.This album differs substantially from the 60's moptop sound of "That Thing You Do," or even the folksy feel of the Candybutchers' debut EP, showcasing a more raw, edgy rock sound. I was searching for a suitable analogy, and one reviewer's reference to Graham Parker nailed it. The hooks and changes, as well as the faint sneer in Viola's singing style bears an almost eerie resemblance to Parker at times.The album falls somewhat short of a pop classic. The ideas start to trail off and tend towards cliches towards the end, and Clearmountain's engineering, while fresh at first, starts making everything sound the same. Nevertheless, songs like the first track, with its chiming guitars and churning beat, and the uptempo "All I Have," among others, are real pop gems. Viola is a natural, and I can only hope he continues to refine his craft."

Love Is Infectious

Lee Armstrong | Winterville, NC United States | 11/23/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"With a new CD this year called "Play With Your Head," it's time to dust off Mike's first full length outing. More than Elvis Costello or some of the power pop bands, I hear a strong similarity to Neil Finn & Crowded House. The title track is pop perfection, a joyful loud mix. "Killing Floor" has that abrupt staccato machine gun guitar riff on which Viola hangs the lyric, "My man I dig you Jonah, two-tailed spermatozoa, killed them with your bleeding lance, you just couldn't keep it in your pants." "You're in my bed tonight, I'm on my best behavior," he sings on "All I Have" to thundering guitar riffs. On of my favorites is the bouncy "Too Much Going On." "Let It Ride" has a pretty melody hung on locomotive guitar, sounding a bit like Split Enz. "Give Me Some Time" quiets down for acoustic guitar and a pretty McCartney-like melody with a splash of dissonant strings. My favorite track is the throbbing "Hills of L.A.," "I worry about what I've become, I'm looking for someone to blame it on." "I Don't Know Anything" is great rock while "Can't We Do Anything Right" boasts great harmonies. "Stop When It Hurts" shows Mike's better when he doesn't slow down. "Doing It the Wrong Way" & "Fall Back Down" are great power pop rockers sounding lots like the Brothers Finn. The CD concludes with the softer, somewhat plodding "Once I Was." This CD is great because it is amazingly consistent and strong. All the rockers pop with energetic guitar melody. Based on this strong outing, I'm looking forward to "Play with Your Head." Enjoy!"

What a suprise!

J. Michael Abernathy | mobile, al. USA | 07/25/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I have read all the reviews and must say I agree with most of them. I happened across this cd at a listening station and I was immediately taken with it. I put it in my car and I don't think I took it out for quite some time. Even my 16 year old son likes parts of it(he's into 311-POPA ROACH-etc.). There are some really good songs on this cd and they don"t all sound alike. I personally really like "Let It Ride". I believe if you buy this cd you will be glad you did."