"The cupcakes are my all-time favorite band... the more I listen, the more I crave for their high-energy sound. I was lucky enough to see them in concert in Orlando, and I haven't been the same since. DEFINITELY BUY IT - you will LOVE it."
Well done
gleimo | West Windsor, NJ United States | 05/03/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Hailed as the best band to come out of Chicago since theSmashing Pumpkins, The Cupcakes do not follow in the footsteps oftheir vegetable-destroying city mates. The Cupcakes base their music on a solid rock foundation, but they also throw lots of techno beats in to the mix to make things interesting. The singer has an incredible voice, but sometimes seems overmatched by the busy rhythm and guitar section. Even so, his voice is identifiable enough to have a lasting impact on the listener. Drummer Matt Johnson (formerly of Filter and the Pumpkins) sets the tone for almost every song, and the guitarist seems to weave in and out in between the singer's vocals. The bonus track - #18 - is probably the best song on the CD, but many others are worthy of attention, too. I'm already looking forward to their next album."
Incredible Potential
gleimo | 04/03/2000
(3 out of 5 stars)
"I happened across the Cupcakes at an Xmas show in Chicago and was immediately impressed. I picked up their album today and realized what enormous potential these guys have. Despite their at times immature sound, the Cupkakes seem capable of becoming a top notch act. The musicianship on this record is beautiful. This album reminds me a lot of early U2 records--unique and gripping, yet over-eager and a little preachy. Still, this album is a valiant debut effort. I have a feeling that the Cupcakes might just become great. I almost wanna believe in this band."
Best Thing Out of Chicago Since the Pumpkins! Better!
Anthony Ian | Chicago, IL United States | 03/17/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Cupcakes have been around Chicago for a couple of years now, well-known for being an absolutely powerhouse live act.Killer musicians all, they have finally (after much delay) released their debut and it kills, too.Check out the monster guitars that erupt on "Exaggerator"; the pop anthem "Vidiots"; the XTC-meets-Queen "Future Girls, Future Boys," or the gorgeous, descending, "Hey Jude"-like choruses of "Space Age Boy."Also--hidden as track 18 on the CD--is their usual opening song when they play live, which again features a monster guitar track.There's nothing not to like on this album. Drummer Matt Walker and brother Sol are the rhythm section every band wishes they had; guitarist Greg Suran is one of the most inventive you'll ever hear, and singer Preston Graves gets ripped off by every local band frontman who's seen him, he's that good.Best thing out of Chicago since the Pumpkins!"