Search - Morningwood :: Morningwood

Retro Punk Sound with Superb Energy

Debbie Lee Wesselmann | the Lehigh Valley, PA | 01/14/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Morningwood's albums mixes a retro punk/new wave sound with the attitude of a garage band. Lead singer Chantal Claret has a voice that recalls the Go-Gos, Joan Jett, and Pat Benatar, though the music itself is more grunge than the clean, no-frills sound of the eighties (except for maybe "Televisor"). The band's name puts them squarely into the raunch school of music. The biggest flaw with this album is the lyrics, which aren't humorously inane enough to be punk nor meaningful enough to be good rock; they are lusty, lewd, gritty, but never deep. The guitar and percussion-driven music itself is great, especially with repeat listening.



"Nu Rock" is a fine opening track, with its aggressive, high-energy punk beat. "Televisor" shows more musical range; it may not be the catchiest song on the album, but it suggests how far this band can go. "Nth Degree" is perhaps the most pop of the tracks. It has a catchy tune and a strong dance beat, and Claret's spelling out of Morningwood's name at the end is oddly addicting, much like a commercial jingle. "Jettsetter," one of the best songs on the CD, gives us a sexy Claret whose voice shifts from baby-face crooning to the gritty delivery of hard rock, and back again. The opening guitar solo of "Body 21" sets the stage for Claret's sweet-baby vocals that are punctuated by an explosive chorus.



With Chantal Claret's charismatic vocals and the rest of the band's willingness to explode behind the strength of her voice, "Morningwood" is a treat. -- Debbie Lee Wesselmann"

Very fun CD

Parkin | PA | 03/17/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Even though Morningwood's self-titled CD will likely not end up on my Best Albums of 2006 list, it's a CD that I will definitely keep playing. Because these songs are well constructed and because of Chantal's very charismatic vocals and lyrics, there's no reason to feel guilty while listening. Those who want the energy hardly ever ebbing will be happy."

Morningwood(!!)

Vadiamond | Orange County, CA USA | 03/12/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Lead singer Chantal Claret is the rockingest woman on the planet. Vocal chameleon that she is, C.C. can belt out rockers, sizzle with sultry delivery, then melt you with her sweetness. Listen to her on "Jetsetter" -- the way she switches from sweet Cardigans/Cranberries style to hard-driving Peaches is so deeeelicious.



Bandmate/co-composer Pedro Yanowitz plays a mean bass and writes very good songs that channel the likes of the Pretenders, Ladytron, Steve Miller Band, 1000 Homo DJs, the Smiths, Cheap Trick, and Violent Femmes. Morningwood is the first album I've heard in a long time that's a joy to listen to all the way through. One long, happy ride - spice of life.



There are hopping partying tunes (Nth Degree) and revealing lyrics (Body 21). Be sure to listen to the last track (Ride the Lights) all the way through. There's a quirky surprise at the end. You'll also hear Morningwood use songs from great 80s bands as their jumping off point, like Adam and the Ants' "Ant Invasion" ("Body 21") and the Pretenders' "Brass in Pocket" (Easy).



The guitars sound really good -- high energy, arena-ready, with super fun effects that add lots of personality (Televisor). Strangely, there is no guitarist (or drummer) credited on the CD.



And . . .

Favorite insleeve picture: Chantal kissing the tongue of a man in a dog mask. Yep, like their music, twisted and whimsical.

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