Search - far beyond frail :: A girl, almost...

If Tori Amos sat down and covered Counting Crows songs, you would hear something similar to Kansas City's far beyond frail - a pseudo-alternative, folk-tinged, indie-pop duo that combines edgy love songs with stunning female vocals to create music that ranges from breathy and playful to moody and daring. Formed in 2002 on Martha's Vineyard, far beyond frail is the creative pairing of vocalist Sharlynn Verner and songwriter David Cecil. Having toured through over 40 states in the last year alone, far beyond frail has become known for live shows that elevate their music to an entirely different level. While praising a recent performance, HeyRegion.com writes, ''Dark, romantic lyrics over layers of guitar and keyboard - the Kansas City duo's set was a memorable, audience-hushing spellbinder.'' Their latest release, entitled ''Butterfly Sketches'' is their most impressive work to date. Recorded while living in an old church in Cincinnati, Ohio, it was produced by Grammy-nominated producer Ric Hordinski (Over the Rhine, David Wilcox). KGRL Radio was one of many that recognized that they were listening to something special, adding it to their list of 2007's best releases and saying, ''Butterfly Sketches is such an exemplary alternative-folk record. We fell in love with the band from our first listen.'' The prestigious John Lennon Songwriting Contest took note as well, awarding far beyond frail's song ''After So Many Lovers'' with an honorable mention in the Pop Category - one of 8 songs singled out of 20,000 entries. With the ability to captivate listeners, either live or recorded, far beyond frail exudes underground intensity with the polish and skill of a mainstream band. One moment delicate, the next chaotic, the result is intoxicating suggesting not only that far beyond frail is an up-and-coming band that is worth the hype, but this may be the first chapter of a very long story.