steering clear of the mainstream
since 2001

june 2010

review
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info opinion

Pascal

"Hello My Name Is Pascal" CD

Uvulittle Records

Genres: indie pop, indie rock, folk-rock

Uvulittle Records
PO Box 3220
Madison WI 53704

Jun 23 - 29 2003

Hello My Name Is Pascal is a quirky little disc that is focused mainly on the lyrics, which are occasionally funny and occasionally surprisingly profound.  The music itself is also solid, although usually simple so as to keep the singing audible.  It's rare nowadays to actually be able to understand the singer, so these tunes are a refreshing change from the norm.

When listening to Hello..., the unusual vocals are at first awkward but are easy to warm up to.  With the first two tracks, you quickly become hooked to the Belle and Sebastian-esque melodies.  The shocking dark humour of "Mr. Jenkins" catches you by surprise, but doesn't get you ready for the introspective imagery of "And Boom a Shock.'  Sad songs are also included.  "No Can't Do Nothing" is a very memorable tune, while "You To Dance" is an almost Kafka-esque weeper about regret.

While some parts of this album may get a little repetitive, specifically the latter half, Hello My Name Is Pascal still boasts a very solid and original sound.  Give it a try.

85%

Matt Shimmer

[Vitals: 13 tracks, distributed by the label, released 2003]