Search - Verbena :: Pilot Park

Shows potential, but that's about it

wellwellwell | bog | 04/27/2003

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Track listing:1. I Say So
2. ***** **** ("Pilot Park" I assume)
3. Silver Queen
4. Everyday Shoes
5. Pony Express
6. Ever Rent A Heart?It is very clear that this CD portrays the very beginning of Verbena's music career. This is basically six demos thrown onto one disc; and that in turn doesn't allow for the best sound quality. Of the six songs, "Silver Queen" is probably the only one that stands out, yet all the tracks show great potential. Potential that would later become their 1995 album Souls For Sale. So for anyone who's looking for a greatly rounded sound, you won't find it here. But the longtime Verbena fanatics will appreciate this release and will enjoy the six songs for what they are. Don't buy this if you're looking for the same sounds on either Souls For Sale or Into The Pink. But again, if you're a big fan, it's nice to have this in your collection."

Blossoming potential

E. A Solinas | MD USA | 12/16/2003

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Not yet genius, but it was getting there gradually. Verbena's "Pilot Park" is a halfway point, where the fantastic grungy rock was coming together, but hadn't quite gelled yet. Fans will probably like seeing how the group progressed over time, starting with this.Among the six songs is an early version of the song "So What," called "I Say So." It's a bit more rambly (with an unnecessary "wow" at the end of some chorus lines), but fair. "**** ****" (presumably "Pilot Park") is also a bit repetitive, but strangely compelling, while "Ever Rent A Heart" simply didn't get across to me. On the other hand, "Pony Express" is a beautiful composition ("If you love me/I promise I wont bite"), as is the short "Silver Queen.""Pilot Park" is rougher and less polished than the Verbena albums "Souls For Sale," "Into The Pink," and "Musica Negra." It sounds like a bunch of demos cobbled together, and this release doesn't really stand out because of that. They were not yet well-rounded, and it shows that they were still finding a niche. The lyrics hint at the amazing writing of their future songs, but here they're rather repetitive. Even so, the touching "Pony Express" shows that they weren't far from home base.Fans of hard-edged rock will like Verbena in general, although "Pilot Park" isn't them at their best. "Souls For Sale" is the one that should be used to introduce new listeners, but those who are already fans should check out "Pilot Park." They were starting to flower, but not yet in full bloom."