A Fine Frenzy

From Zero to VH1 Midsummer Dreams Do Come True

© Heather Larson

Alison Sudol, Virgin Records

Introducing A Fine Frenzy. The band is led by charismatic (read: gorgeous) singer-songwriter Allison Sudol.

From Zero To VH1: Midsummer Dreams Do Come True

A Fine Frenzy’s lead-off single is “Almost Lover,” a sure thing for the online dating generation and yet so timeless. Expect to see the video often on VH1 as A Fine Frenzy was just added to the rotation and the artist is now officially one “You Oughta Know.”

Behind A Fine Frenzy is self-taught pianist and songwriter Alison Sudol. Combining piano and red hair one would be hard-pressed to avoid a Tori Amos comparison. But the 22-year-old’s music is actually a lot more like Keane’s debut album. As much as A Fine Frenzy sounds like popular artists who already have their own places in the world, Sudol’s band is carving out its own unique sound. Actress Selma Blair told Interview Magazine, “Her music is haunting.”

A Fine Comparison

The album “One Cell In The Sea,” becomes part of Sudol’s dream come true with its July 17 release. The song “Almost Lover” is in the vein of James Blunt’s “Goodbye My Lover,” but is far less of an ear cleaning as Sudol’s voice is ethereal and easy on the ears. She’s quite easy on the eyes as well with flaming red hair and porcelain skin. Beauty aside, there’s no doubt about it -- the girl can sing. Just listen to the song “Almost Lover” and try to fight the compulsion to hold up a lighter. (Oh yeah, it’s cell phones we hold up now. Forgive.)

Inspiration

She’s young and a self-described loner but Alison Sudol will have very little alone time on tour this summer. Her inspirations are Radiohead, Bjork, and Sigur Ros and it shows in her music. Initially she was into the old school of classical music mixed with Motown. With a band name influenced by Shakespeare, Sudol remains high on art with her literary taste: CS Lewis, EB White, and Charles Dickens are some favorites.

A Fine Frenzy Videos

On recording “One Cell In The Sea”

Rehearsals.com performance of “Almost Lover”

Altitude Interview

Another Alison Sudol Interview

Someone has even used “Almost Lover” for a Jim/Pam montage from NBC’s The Office. It fits our favorite TV romance, or almost romance.

One Cell In The Sea Track List:

1. Come On, Come Out

2. The Minnow & the Trout

3. Whisper

4. You Picked Me

5. Rangers

6. Almost Lover

7. Think of You

8. Ashes and Win

9. Liar, Liar

10. Last of Days

11. Lifesize

12. Near to You

13. Hope for the Hopeless

14. Borrowed Time

Fittingly, A Fine Frenzy is touring currently with Sean Lennon and Rufus Wainwright. It appears to be just the right blend of sounds for anyone’s Midsummer Night’s Dream.


The copyright of the article A Fine Frenzy in Pop Music is owned by Heather Larson. Permission to republish A Fine Frenzy must be granted by the author in writing.


Alison Sudol, Virgin Records
       

Comments
Oct 22, 2007 6:36 PM
Amy Larter :
I absolutley love A Fine Frenzy. Alison is such a talented Piano player! I cannot wait to watch her perform on Last Call with Carson Daly! I hope she performs my favorite song Almost Lover!! Check it out she is sure to rock
Page:
1 Comment:

Post this Article to facebook Add this Article to del.icio.us! Digg this Article furl this Article Add this Article to Reddit Add this Article to Technorati Add this Article to Newsvine Add this Article to Windows Live Add this Article to Yahoo Add this Article to StumbleUpon Add this Article to BlinkLists Add this Article to Spurl Add this Article to Google Add this Article to Ask Add this Article to Squidoo