Flood No. 9

September 5 - 12, 1 9 9 6 [Off the Record]

*** Flood No. 9

FIRENZA

(Wonderland)
At times this is so wandering and free-form, you wonder why you're listening -- then the dynamics will pop like a superheated kernel of corn, or something so sensible and riveting will emerge from under the wet sheet of a vocal approach that your attention will be demanded. Big guitars help, as well as the rip tide of sounds that course through the mix. But Connecticut's Flood No. 9 aren't a pop band; their brand of melodic and murky angst hasn't got time for rhyme. It's the mantra-like repetition of phrases and the simple, singing guitar lines that most often make their soundscapes memorable. Like Providence's Holy Cow, they specialize in little journeys to the dark side of the soul -- with enough power and flourish to hold your attention for the duration of the tour. (Write to Wonderland Records at 374 Treadwell Street, Hamden, Connecticut 06514.)
-- Ted Drozdowski