Search - Waifs :: Up All Night

An Aussie Triumph

James Carragher | 01/20/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"'Up All Night' is, to put it simply, one of the best albums you could ever hope to hear. With vocals that go from soulful to searing, guitar that does the same, and songwriting that puts the Fred Dursts of the world to shame, The Waifs have put together something remarkable. It's not often you hear an independent release that sounds this good, and it is to the bands credit that they are achieving more exposure than ever. Donna (will you marry me?), Vikki and Josh combine brilliantly on every song. It is just so refreshing to hear music that shows clearly how much the artists enjoy making it. The standout tracks are London Still (an anthem for all Aussie expats), Fisherman's Daughter, and Fourth Floor, each different, but each brilliant in its own right. The Waifs style is hard to classify, but this pop/folk/country trio quite obviously have the magic touch, and it is a shame more people aren't aware of them. If you have a brain you will buy this album, and support independent music. Also, if you ever get a chance to see them live, do whatever it takes to get to the show.They are always amazing. This is music to put a smile on your face."

Rooted Wanderers

James Carragher | New York | 07/05/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The Waifs are from Australia and they never forget it, even as all three write and sing of distance and rootlessness. The sound features wonderful harmonies between the two Simpson sisters, excellent harmonica on almost every song, and can be country-bluesy (Flesh and Blood), 60's-like (London Still), or recall some Lucinda Williams Louisiana-style yearning (Highway One). Every five cuts or so up pops a song from Joshua Cunningham who speaks (a smoother Tom Waits and very like his countryman Paul Kelly) more than sings his lyrics and looks back to things gone, either by twenty years (Since I've Been Around) or one night (Up All Night). Three Down is standard "oh-how-hard-it-is-to-be-on-the-road" stuff, but all the other eleven songs are fresh takes on the performers's universal themes -- love, loss, home and the road. Aside from the ones I've mentioned already, I especially liked Fourth Floor and Lighthouse."