Categories : Music Reviews, Rock + Pop.
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Rating: 2.5 / 5 Reviewer: Michelle Kennedy |
Like any relationship, the relationship between audience and performer is about managing expectations. Pop music is as much about expectation as whether or not Dick kisses Jane on their first date. This isn’t to say that expectations cannot be surpassed or broken for the positive but that usually means that at some point expectations were met.
So what does all this have to do with Carmen Townsend? Given Townsend’s pedigree it is fair to expect a fun, upbeat challenging record defying what we expect from her genre of choice. Her band, The Tom Fun Orchestra, does this all the time – blurring the line between Celtic rock and pop extravaganza super band. Instead of following in those footsteps, Waitin’ and Seein’ is unfocused and genuinely boring. There is nothing inherently wrong with the album but there is also nothing memorable about it. Homage to Townsend’s influences also takes a front seat to her own songwriting prowess. Instead of hearing her own voice ring through your headphones you will hear Ani DiFranco, Alanis Morrisette, Jeff Buckley, and a slough of other mid-to-late ‘90s rock and roll clichés. The stand out track is ‘River Rat,’ but at the end of the day I suspect you’ll find yourself longing for a hook, begging for a single and desperate for a song that grabs you right in the guts.
