Midnight Movies - Lion the Girl

On their second release, L.A. based quartet Midnight Movies transmit a sound as mysterious as it is melodic. Ambitious, yet subdued when appropriate, the group seamlessly and patiently constructs soundscapes which reference the brooding guitar pop of bands like The Cure and dreamy ambience of artists like Trespassers William. A deliciously tight rhythm section, eerie keyboard/organ sounds and the transcendent guitar work of Larry Schemel (at times driving and insistent, at others resembling a growing, swirling haze of sound) combine to frame Gena Olivier's spellbinding vocals. Though consistent in tone and effect, the band displays its versatility by excelling equally at lush ballads ("Ribbons"), dark and meandering mid-tempo cuts ("Lion Song") and tracks that resemble more straight ahead rock ("Hide Away"). Additional album highlights include "Parallel Paramour", "24 Hour Dream" and "Two Years." If Lion the Girl is any indication of the band's ability, it can only be a matter of time before the charismatic and alluring sounds of Midnight Movies connect with a significant audience. [www.midnightmovies.net]