Aiding & Abetting 2/2/04

A&A #250 reviews

Sugarplum Fairies

Introspective Raincoat Student Music

(self-released)

Sylvia Ryder and Ben Bohm are Sugarplum Fairies, Ryder is a willowy blonde who does the singing, and Bohm focuses on everything that's behind her. Sounds a bit like Luna, eh?

Yeah, it does. But in a good way. And anyway, there are differences. For one, Bohm never takes the front mike (and doesn't sing much in the background, either). Also, as Bohm runs essentially a one-man band, the music is a bit less lush and dreamy. There are sharp edges from time to time.

One shared characteristic is solid songwriting. If you want to succeed in the whole soft-pop genre, you'd better have a serious wit and some real musical chops. Both are on full display here. Ryder and Bohm fill this disc with perceptive lyrics and music.

Yeah, I'd advise them to work a bit harder on a more unique sound. But this album is a fine example of the form. Sugarplum Fairies have plenty of skill. Now they have to go out and make something of themselves.

Contact:

www: http://www.sugarplumfairies.com