09-04-2002 The Drum Media

The acoustic movement in Sydney has been incredibly strong over the last few years and here is a perfect antidote to the busy world of pop music and its indulgent platitudes. The people from Club Acoustica have ensembled a varied cast of strong performers who have played mid-week at The Basement to supporters and music fans alike who love to hear this kind of talent live. The result is a superb cross section of unsigned acts playing their best cuts.

Wrapped in the new insignia and a wonderful wood flavoured cover, the artwork and sleeve give the listener a great rap on each act. There are a couple of well known artists here, such as Stella One Eleven and King Curly, who both put in polished tunes. King Curly's 'I Wish I Was A Girl' is just as strong as the original. Some of the highlights include the folky and sassy Dominque Fraissard with one of his up beat numbers 'The People Sea', which is delivered with a believable passion. women in docs, like Dominque, have a sound which has something of the street to it. Their song 'Crown Street' is a local celebration of a seedy part of their hometown Brisbane and you get the vibe perfectly and can hear why they are so popular on the folk circuit.

There is another side to the performances here with artists such as Blue Crew, who move more towards the right with their jazz and professionalism that is perfect for the Basement sound. Lyn Bowtell manages to come across as a superb singer/songwriter with a welcoming voice and a well arranged tune 'I Can Fly'. Other highlights include Jeff Duff's 'Vampire Girl', Brett Hunt's 'Crazy' and Miss Radio's sweet melodic pop on 'Move You'.

The Club Acoustica folk deserve a pat on the back and a gold stamp on their foreheads for their input into the Sydney folk and pop scene. These are great performances well recorded. Whether A&R people prick up their ears is another story. Bring on the second volume... we want more.