Search - Flatirons :: Prayer Bones

Buy This CD!

12/28/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I am amazed that the Flatirons remain a 'local' band in the Seattle area. It is a travesty not to share their sound with the rest of the country. The lead singer's smokey, sultry voice is a combination of Natalie Merchant and Stevie Nicks (in the early days). Her voice alone could probably carry the band but lucky for the listener, there's a lot more. The songwriting is tremendous. I haven't heard thought provoking lyrics that make me feel this way since getting high and listening to the Cure in high school. (Don't worry, the Flatirons are nothing like the Cure!) I highly encourage you to purchase this CD. Listening to it will make you wish you were actually watching them in a bar."

Dark Angels

07/09/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I bought this CD because Greil Marcus, a rock critic whom I've always respected, cited it in his ballot for the most recent Village Voice Pazz and Jop poll. Thanks, Greil! This is a great CD. Reading my fellow reviewers, I'd like to try my own take on the sound: 2 parts Cowboy Junkies, 2 parts Marianne Faithfull, and 1 part Gillian Welch. Shake thoroughly, add secret ingredient, and enjoy! She has a more melodic voice than Marianne has (now) but lots of attitude. The subject matter reminds me of Hell Among the Yearlings, and they sound like a bluesier, harder-edged Cowboy Junkies. Pick this one up. You won't regret it, if you like any of the above artists!"

"Prayerbones" belongs in your collection!

John Casey | Wheatland, Ca. USA | 02/27/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"What an excellent release from this much too "underheard" band! Sporting a first-class vocalist (and songwriter)in Wendy Pate, the Flatirons are a cohesive, focused unit, strumming and sassing their way through 13 top-notch compositions. Guitarists Jason Okamoto and Scott Weddle (also first-class songwriters) create some of the most vivid and haunting images ever committed to disc. One listen to the first track, "Heaven Help You" captures your interest with the seemingly strange yet perfectly logical use of the guitar vibrato bar; and fortunately, this technique is used throughout the album - try resisting "New Pair Of Shoes", a cool, jazzy walk, showcasing Wendy's vocals wrapping herself around the entire band. It's difficult to really describe the sound and mood the Flatirons manage to conjure up; just say there's bluegrass/country influence mixed with a bit of the Grateful Dead, while managing to still create a sound entirely their own. Bottom line: supurb musicians and songwriting well worth a place in your collection. Let's hope the Checkered Past label keeps finding and putting out talent like this."