Sea Of Tranquility



The Web Source for Progressive Rock, Progressive Metal & Jazz-Fusion
  Search   in       
Main Menu




Luminous Newts: Songs from a Local Universe

Songs from a Local Universe, the second album from the Berkeley, Calif.-based prog-pop quintet Luminous Newts, builds on the quirkiness of its 2015 self-titled debut. Newts are semiaquatic creatures, alternating between aquatic and terrestrial habitats, and with diverse prog (Genesis, Toy Matinee) and singer-songwriter (Joni Mitchell, Sandy Denny) influences, this band reflects its name.

Lead vocalist Thea Kelley subtly invokes Debbie Harry and Chrissie Hynde on hypnotic opener “My Porcupine,” and when keyboardist Eric Kampman takes over lead vocals for “Inside Out and Over,” his Ty Tabor-like delivery gives the song a distinct King’s X vibe. The entire album flows smoothly, the distinct vocals backed by superb musicianship. Song topics range from the impact of LSD on art to the crass commercialization of 21st century culture.

On top of all that, it’s hard not to root for a band unafraid to record and release a song like the self-referential “When the Newts Cross South Park Drive” -- fun, offbeat pop with a bouncy melody akin to a sitcom theme song. (And that’s not meant as a dig.)

After 35 minutes, it’s all over and you’ll want to press play again.

Track Listing:
1. My Porcupine
2. Shine
3. Inside Out and Over
4. Green Tea and LSD
5. Commercialized
6. Dream On It
7. When the Newts Cross South Park Drive
8. Silence

Added: December 29th 2018
Reviewer: Michael Popke
Score:
Related Link: Official Luminous Newts Website
Hits: 935
Language: english

[ Printer Friendly Page Printer Friendly Page ]
[ Send to a Friend Send to a Friend ]

  

[ Back to the Reviews Index ]



2004 Sea Of Tranquility
For information regarding where to send CD promos and advertising, please see our FAQ page.
If you have questions or comments, please Contact Us.
Please see our Policies Page for Site Usage, Privacy, and Copyright Policies.

All logos and trademarks in this site are property of their respective owner. The comments are property of their posters, all other content Sea of Tranquility

SoT is Hosted by SpeedSoft.com