FFWD Weekly
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| CD REVIEW HOTHOUSE FLOWERS · After a Hothouse hiatus in 1993, Liam O'Maonlai joined Tim Finn (Split Enz) and Andy White and gigged as ALT. · The Flowers who regrouped in '97 to record Born are: O'Maonlai, Peter O' Toole, Fiachna O' Braonain. The Hothouse Flowers do what most UK pop bands, such as Kula Shaker, couldn't do with their albums. They're worldly, trippy and they are accessible enough so that alternative, dance and adult contemporary types can appreciate them. There isn't anything tricky to their straight-ahead take on music. Born has a fresh flow with swinging, thick beats and compelling vocals reminiscent of James. A diverse album twisting and turning between psychedelic and symphonic, mellow and upbeat, the Hothouse Flowers have found a universal sound for their comeback album. The first half of Born is composed of peppy highlights: "Turn Up the Reverb," "Forever More" and the title track. Gentle, soul searching songs occupy the latter half of the album and impart a solemn mood for a sweeping effect. 3/5 |