Search - Stretch Princess :: Fun With Humans

Stretch is back & better!

M. Blackham | Cincinnati, OH USA | 08/11/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"While the band was taking a break since their self-titled debut (1998) as a result of drummer Dave Magee's 'inoperable brain tumor' (yikes!!), vocalist & bassist Jo Lloyd & guitarist James Wright were crankin' out some of the best lyrics out today. There's plenty of upbeatness (Dying to Begin & You Should've Come), a good dose of sarcasm (Freakshow & Breakfast for Champions), and catchy one-liners peppered throughout (I'm partial to 'wishing on the deathstars in the night sky' - Freakshow).There's a good range of musical styles throughout the album. There's punky riffs and beats (You Should've Come), plenty of ballads (Time and Time Again), radio-blastin' favs (Freakshow, Angels, All I Want), and arguably a serious Alt-Rock hit (Favorite Lunatic - musically close to Radiohead).Jo Lloyd's vocals are crisp & playful, yet with a slight edge at appropriate sections. She has a voice that is a recognizably alt-rock sounding voice. Most of my friends compare her vocal style and sound to Gwen Stefani. Not to overlook, but Jo rips some great bass tracks.James Wright's riffs are fresh. They AREN'T the same old reheated McD's hamburger sound on the majority of the stuff shoved on us today. James' musical range is a great complement to Jo's vocals. There's an undeniable Radiohead style influence in some of the songs. From the pix I've seen, the dude could pass as a young Elvis!Dave Magee has a knack for the pulsating rock, ringing punk, and swaying ballads. The improvement in the tempo and variety is notable between this album and the self-titled initial release - (NO knock on the self-titled release, it stands very well on its own). The sound has evolved to another level! If you're lookin' for a one dimensional band with teen-with-a-chip-on-my-shoulder-cuz-my-mom-grounded-me lyrics, look elsewhere. This is a musically well-rounded album that will earn the band extended respect and really launch their popularity. Buy the dang album!"

Candy Rock

Peter | Atlanta | 05/01/2003

(3 out of 5 stars)

"If you love a sexy female singing voice backed by an up tempo drum beat and clean guitar licks Stretch Princess's second CD, Fun for Humans, won't disappoint the pop rock fan. Led off by the defiant song about a lovers break up, Freakshow, you be humming lines from this ditty all day. The album is dominated by mostly sophomoric musings about relationship woes and falling in love. Some of the songs are touching (Dying to Begin, Favourite Lunatic,Over and Over). This album is huge improvement from their previous self-titled effort. Stretch Princess, a British/Australian trio, could be described as female dominated cross between Third Eye Blind and The Cardigans. Take all the sultry female vocals of bassist Jo Lloyd and mix it with catchy guitar riffs of Third Eye and Stretch's sound is born. The only gripe this reviewer has about the album is the candy rock polished sound. While all the songs are catchy they tend to get old quickly. Stretch Princess brings no new innovation to rock and mostly feels like a replay of The Sundays on Prozac with less meaningful lyrics. The real highlight of the band is Jo Lloyd's beautiful voice. This album is a fun listen with no dogs on it. I bought it and think fans of The Cardigans, The Sundays, and Third Eye Blind will enjoy this in their music collections."

Beautiful Talent!

cbudinich | Fayetteville, NC United States | 02/04/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In short, it is a tragedy that this band has not received more recognition than it has. Jo has a beautiful voice that is paired with witty lyrics. The music is put together well and it compliments her vocals. If you get a chance to catch these guys live, then call in sick, steal the car, do whatever it takes... you won't be disappointed!"