Cross Rhythms EP Reviews
Cross Rhythms Summer 2008
RATING
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 45781-14135
DISTRIBUTION: Independent
FORMAT: CD EP
DISCS: 1
Reviewed by Ian Hayter
A companion CD to the electro-pop 'Doll Factory', this Andy Baker-produced acoustic orientated EP is a showcase for the vocal talents of the talented trio. With one track written by the up and coming Philippa Hanna and the rest by group member Mandy Toombs and Andy Baker, these songs provoke thought and challenge many of the received ideas of the current generation of young teenage girls. Titles such as "Stop Striving" and "Very Own Life" (along with "Beautiful Self", a version of which appears on the 'Doll Factory' EP) give a flavour of the message being proclaimed here. And it is being proclaimed with great skill and talent: the vocal harmonies are excellent and the pared back arrangements with catchy guitar hooks and plangent cello accompaniments are superb. GoldDigger have been making waves in Sheffield and at Spring Harvest in recent months, and on the evidence of this EP they will soon be reaching a much wider audience.
RATING
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 45780-14134
DISTRIBUTION: Independent
FORMAT: CD EP
DISCS: 1
Reviewed by Ian Hayter
Mandy Toombs, Rachel Scott and Clare Altamura have been brought together in Sheffield by producer and arranger Andy Baker to turn out a set of seven danceable songs which critique contemporary pop culture and offer an alternative set of values to a generation desperate for identity and respect. Kicking off with "Price Tag Of Fame" and including such titles as "Beautiful Self" and "Just Didn't Think", these catchy songs, with memorable choruses and infectious beats, really do the business. With most of the songs written by group member Mandy (usually in collaboration with Andy Baker), these are superbly produced slices of glossy pop, with the odd quirky background beat to keep the interest going. The girls have been working with church and secular agencies (including Topshop) to get the message out to younger female teens. It's a message about self-esteem and independence that is well worth hearing and certainly very exciting listening. We will surely hear more from this excellent trio.