Guana Batz Held Down... At Last! CD - Import

He has definitely brought some of that experimental flair with him into this new CD,although here it's used to add texture to what can mostly be described as conventional song structures. The albums opener, The Valentines, starts with the sound of waves before the acoustic guitar and piano kick the song into life. Simon's vocals have something of the David McComb about them and The Triffids are a good reference point.

There's also a touch of Scott Walker as the first half of the album gives up a series of epic ballads.

In the middle of She Comes the tune suddenly gives way to clattering percussion and soprano sax drenched in reverb and the ground has shifted. Surpise twists follow, with Risky Business and the following It's Only Life taking serious left turns. This is ambitious stuff that demands serious attention. Sid CowensREVIEW - Chip Withrow, Musesmuse CD Review: This disc is off the well-worn path of what I listen to most, which makes it both challenging and refreshing. Simon Scardanelli reminds me of a couple of lush-sounding artists from the past (Roxy Music and Roger Waters' solo work, for example) and also brings to mind some of the atmospheric, dramatic pop offered today (such as Coldplay and Keane).

The album opens with the prettily-strummed, synth-washed 'The Valentines.