Search - Romeo Void :: Warm, In Your Coat

Coffee house/new wave pioneers - Romeo Void - this album hig

Get What We Give | Georgia | 12/27/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Romeo Void was not on the lips of most people in the 1980's even though they should have been.



Formed in the late 1970's, Romeo Void is an important benchmark in American/European music, especially that of the 1980's. Maintaining and even improving on previous rock groups song writing ability, Debora Iyall crafted detailed and involved storylines in her lyrics. The musicians/song writers of Romeo Void created deeply evocative sounds for the new music era. Whereas other punk/pre-new wave groups were incorporating synthesizers to a degree never known before, Romeo Void utilized them, but also did something previously thought to be ridiculous: they incorporated a saxaphone!



The sound that Romeo Void created is completely unique. They were neither punk nor the new sound of new wave. Debora Iyall's wailing and emotional vocals are powerful and uniquely branded the band - something that not many 80's bands managed successfully. Many subsequent bands would re-work Romeo Void's "sound" as they broke into the 1980's music scene. Some succeeded and even surpassed the success of Romeo Void. However, Romeo Void still gets my vote for the highest quality, because it was their uncompromising insistence on their songs sounding the way THEY wanted them to rather than the way their labels wanted.....



Certainly the top 40 hits "A Girl in Trouble (Is a Temporary Thing) and Never Say Never are going to be the reasons that an otherwise unknowing person purchases this album, but rest assured that the entire album is extremely worthy of attention.



It is a great shame that the group broke up in 1985/1986 and we can only hope that their recent attention via VH1's Bands Reunited will encourage this group to really make a move toward a permanent reunion.



Their sound is as desirable today as it was in the 1980's since it is still as unique. In other words, time has been kind to the music of Romeo Void.



If for no other reason than to appease your artistic muse, check this album out - you'll not be sorry."

Filling the void

R. C. Parrett | 02/16/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This group always seemed more like a novelty band to me, leaning on the lyrical hooks, with a bit of a thin sound, punctuated by the inclusion of a horn. This cd has all the good stuff on it though, and more. It's not that simple either. Debora Iyall's strong vocals aside, the band sounds fantastic too. They are not just a backing band, they step out with some tight rhythms and present an edge that still sounds way fresh.



I think I missed out by not paying attention when they were in their prime. This cd is a great introduction to the band and a terrific compilation all wrapped in one."

Classic-ness-osity-ism!

wm gibson | san diego | 11/02/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is the ONLY album you need by this band...beatnik new wave at its best. Sadly, they never broke out because at the infancy of music video, the ultra-talented lead singer was deemed visually un-appealing...SADNESS! In my opinion, britney and paris hilton are far less appealing considering their obvious lack of talent.





I don't put undeserving names in capitals!!!"