Relish: Fullerton's Trio of Doom
Kele Douglas Perkins | Whittier, CA United States | 08/17/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"A heavy sound characterizes the self-titled debut CD by the Fullerton-based band Relish. This is mainly due to guitarist Laura Guaico's uniquely dirty distortion. Her solos are light on virtuosity, but heavy on attitude. Vocalist/bassist Michelle Walker's voice is incredibly strong, as proven by tracks such as "Bled" (although for an even better example, dig for the band's 1996 demo tape version of the song -- it contains what might be the most gut-wrenching scream since Eddie Vedder's node-scorching "Blood"!). And yet she demonstrates an amazing versatility with the CD's most contrasting track, "Castle or A Hole", a technically simple but sonically beautiful ballad. The band showcases an 11/4 time signature and Cranberries-like harmony on "Marry Me", while the gig-opener "Flesh and Kings" again features Walker's soaring voice and more heavily-distorted guitar riffage. With their habit of switching instruments during sets, Relish -- the band AND the CD -- prove that you don't have to rip, just rock. This CD is worth buying twice."
This is good stuff.
James T. Dixon | USA | 09/14/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This album was very refreshing for me when i heard it. The band does amazing things here that break the all so boring 1 4 5 rock chord progression. This is like a powerful symphony. The music pushes and pulls rises and fall in a spiritual powerful uplifting manner. The vocals are increadibly powerful as well as the guitars. Very beautiful i would suggest you check it out."
Track Listings (9) - Disc #1