navigate
in winter..
.. it's like drinking black coffee trying to stay warm and keeping the cold out. the rain falls, the wind blows. some of you even get to see snow.in autumn..
.. it's a backyard in the suburbs, and hundreds leaves covering the green grass.in summer..
.. it's a night-time thing. out on the balcony (porch) with some beers and your friends.in spring..
.. it's the hope for a brighter day.Album Reviews
The C-Minus Project
Less Than Perfect Day
Mono.net
Singer/songwriter Sam Shinazzi of Sydney musical group The C-Minus Project has obviously had his heart broken more than once. Actually, I'd say it's been more than just broken. More like ripped out from his chest and torn into little tiny pieces. Poor guy. But luckily, there is one good thing to come out of his broken heart - extremely honest and intimate songs backed by rich melodies and instrumentation, that at times perfectly captures human frailty and deep emotions.
This is what you will find on The C-Minus Project's debut album, Less Than Perfect Day. Formed in 1999, The C-Minus Project works as a musical vehicle for Shinazzi, and the album and band also features various Sydney musicians from numerous bands, including those from the likes of Golden Rough, Peabody, Starky, Little Sky and Devoted Few.
But on to the music...the album kicks off with the country-esque guitars of 'Town where you were born.' Shinazzi's vocals have a striking resemblance to those of Dave McCormack here, and combined with the alt. country theme of the song, is reminiscent of Custard. 'Lainie K' effortlessly captures the emotion of sadness as a result of lost love, conveyed through a musical backdrop of piano and harmonica, and 'Goofy' picks things up a pace, and is a cute pumping pop tune with a catchy chorus. The most outstanding track from the album has to be 'You better stop breaking my heart.' It's a dark and gorgeous song made up simply of vocals, guitar, piano and cello, and its sincere honesty perfectly expresses the feelings involved with heartbreak - an extremely beautiful and sad song that will move you.
It's not all tears though. 'House near bridge' is an upbeat pop tune complete with a beautiful cello section, 'Up and over there' is an ambient song with some interesting spacey sounds, and the carefree 'Tiger's tale' ends it all off nicely. Shinazzi is a fantastic storyteller who isn't afraid to share his own experiences and emotions openly. It's hard putting yourself out there in such an open way, so credit is due to him for doing it in such a seemingly effortless and natural manner. On another level, the music and sounds found on Less Than Perfect Day work as the ideal backdrop for Shinazzi's enthralling stories. Overall, Less than Perfect Day is a lovely and honest debut.
Review By : Diane Leyman on June 03, 03