THE C. GIBBS GROUP
29 Over Me (Atlantic)
Reviewed by Eric Steiner

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From the hypnotic opener "Cut My Spirit Dry" and melodic "Drag the Ashes," The C. Gibbs Group showcases Christian Gibbs' five piece band. He's got the urban, edgy rock-folk sound down, but it's different than Richard Buckner or other singer-songwriters that call depression home. Christian has honed his musical chops touring with Foetus and the reunited Modern English ("Melt With You") in the early 90's. His efforts have paid off on this exciting Atlantic debut. "House in a Bottle" recalls XTC, and producer Paul Fox, who coincidentally has worked with XTC and Robyn Hitchcock, arranged the strings and played pump organ. It's got a radio-friendly catchy refrain that should keep Twenty Nine Over Me on college radio and AOR outlets nationwide for awhile. "Down on Rivington" is another trip to XTC-land with an Americana spin, complete with a great pedal steel and Hammond B3. The song may sound like a traditional English ballad at times, but "Down on Rivington" is set in the gritty Lower East Side. With 29 Over Me, Atlantic's done something unheard of in major label-land: they've released it an affordable price point of $11.94, a price usually reserved for a few of the label's up and coming bands. For Atlantic and for record buyers, The C. Gibbs Group is definitely worth that risk.

Track List:

Cut My Spirit Dry * Drag the Ashes * Animals Criminals * House in a Bottle * Lay on the Fire * Ellen Terry * 29 Over Me * Sincerity's Ground * Down on Rivington * Milk * Slowly Creeping Smile * Bruises to Claim * Cash * Photograph

© 1999 - Eric Steiner