BREAKING LACES
Sohcahtoa (Sidewinder Records)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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Sohcahtoa is one of those albums that absolutely requires a lyric sheet, not because lead singer/guitarist/songwriter Willem Hartong is in the least bit unintelligible, but because every now and then he tosses out a line that makes you sit up and go "Did he just sing what I think he sang!?!" Probably. "No time for fornication," he warbles on "God In Training," "but once I quit my paper route she'll want my body." It's been a few years, but I remember feeling just like that.

I remember feeling just like Hartong seems to feel quite a bit, in fact. That's one of the joys of his songwriting. He writes directly from his feelings and experience in a way that speaks directly to the feelings and experience of his listeners, and then wraps his words up in hooky pop songs that have you tapping your toes while you're nodding your head. Smart songs that are real big fun aren't always easy to find, and he's got a bunch of them.

Up to now, Breaking Laces has been pretty much a New York City phenom, but they're getting ready to break out across the northeast, and no matter where you are, this disc is available, accessible and simply wonderful.

Track List:

God In Training * Plain Jane * Going Away * Meagan * She Waits * Where's Her Mind * Okay * Global Warming Day * Win Some Lose Some * Light Up For Me * Geek In Love * One Way Out

[Pick this up at CDBaby.]

© 2003 - Shaun Dale