Tadpoles Whirlaway CD

From Hoboken, NJ, Tadpoles return with their fourth self-released studio CD. The band's first albums featured a modern psychedelic sound, but with its last disc Smoke Ghost and this current offering, Tadpoles' sound is evolving and maturing into a straight-ahead melodic rock sound which still keeps plenty of fuzz intact. With prior releases, Tadpoles specialized in midtempo songs; Whirlaway finds the band comfortable with faster rock numbers as well as slower, heavier barn-burners. "Frances the Dancer," the leadoff track, features the classic Tadpoles sound of melodic guitar-driven rock punctuated by sheets of distortion and feedback, plus a conga track that adds percussive interest. "Frances" was written and sung by guitarist Todd Parker, whose Marc Bolan-esque voice contrasts with Nick Kramer, composer of several other songs, such as the heavy workout "Lyman Bostock." His songs resemble the music of Kevin Ayers, with his bass voice and personal yet enigmatic lyrics. Elsewhere, analog synthesizers spice up the proceedings, as on the title track. Later on the album, Tadpoles experiment with early Pink Floyd-like extended instrumental jams on "Smile If You've Crossed Over" and "Horse and Buggy." While this type of material is not Tadpoles' strength, sandwiched between those two is the Lennon-esque "Sunrise Ocean Bender," a modern psychedelic masterpiece which ranks among the best songs Tadpoles have recorded. Whirlaway was named for an unpredictable 1940s racehorse whose record was erratic until his handler modified the horse's blinker; clear vision on his left side enabled Whirlaway to become a champion. With the album Whirlaway, Tadpoles continue to focus and strengthen their approach to both performing and songwriting; they've come up with another winner. ~ Jim Powers

Tadpoles, based in Hoboken, NJ, disbanded in 2000 after releasing 4 critically acclaimed studio albums, 1 live album and 1 E.P. all on their own Bakery Records label (except for their last studio album, Whirlaway, which was released on Australia's Camera Obscura Records.) The group was formed by vocalist/guitarist, Todd Parker and original drummer, Michael Kite Audino in New York City in 1990.Members of the New York group, HIT, bassist David Max & guitarist/vocalist Nick Kramer joined in 1992 and Adam Boyette became the full time drummer in 1996.Career highlights include a four-star review in Rolling Stone magazine (May 1996) for their second studio album, Far Out, which like all of their studio albums (except Whirlaway) was produced by Shimmy Disc/Bongwater mogul, Kramer.The group was also featured in the first Terrastock festival in Providence, Rhode Island in 1997 and their performance was captured on their live album "Destroy Terrastock-Live." Although Tadpoles rarely performed live, their shows were always a multi-media sensory overload experience with films, videos, strobe lights, and other homemade visual effects.The band toured the West Coast in 1997 with Boston's Cul de Sac and Windy & Carl (as well as the late legendary John Fahey on one date.) Since Tadpoles disbanded, David, Nick & Adam have reformed HIT and Todd Parker continues to operate Bakery Records in Hoboken.For complete bio, reviews and more information, check out the Tadpoles web site at www.tadpoles.com or check out their entry on www.allmusic.comWHIRLAWAY : DescriptionTadpoles' last studio album, a co-release between Bakery Records and Camera Obscura Records.. WHIRLAWAY Reviews: Whirlaway best Tadpoles yet!, June 18, 2000 Reviewer: George Thomas Parsons from Nevada City, California Tadpoles Whirlaway (Camera Obscura) This Hoboken 4-piece do the guitar, bass, drums thing, but also add xylophone, ebow, organ and plenty of tastefully employed effects. This is their 4th full-length album, and it shows several of their winning aspects; from soaring space rock to the bucolic folk pop of their Dylan cover You Ain't Goin' Nowhere. They can hit like a flying anvil or float like they've got hel