Cross Eyed Mary - In Tents
(2007)
Review
by Toby Hillard
Watch Cross Eyed Mary - Live & Acoustic: Click Here
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Cross Eyed Mary
In Tents
Tracks
1. Back Again
2. Bridget
3. Get Free
4. Passer By
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While
the live venues continue to dwindle to the bare minimum throughout
Melbourne, it is somewhat comforting to see that there is still some
great talent still fighting their way through the ranks. Melbourne four piece, Cross Eyed Mary, have slowly been making a name for themselves across the Melbourne live scene with their infectious Blues infused rock. While the likes of Jet and The Exploders spring to mind while listening to Cross Eyed Mary's latest EP "In Tents", you can't help but feel there is a new energy to this likeable bunch of musicians. From the opening track, Back Again, you immediately get sucked into the sense of poppy fun. The harmonies work well, and the chorus is decidedly catchy. Bridget
however, takes a little more getting used to. A tad more heavy on the
guitars, the vocals seem to be a little undercooked - nothing to do
with lead singer Timothy Hocking (in fact, his voice is one of the
strongest elements of the band, sounding like Nic Chester before the
world came crashing down on him) - but the production mix. Get Free is a return to CEM at their catchy best, while Passer By seems to pass you by without ever really catching your attention. I've been lucky to catch CEM play live several times around the traps with the latest crop of up-and-comers like The Basics and Junior Anti Sex League and
it seems to be the case of late that CD releases never quite do bands
like this justice. As a live act, they are energetic, and amazingly
tight - something quite rare to find. Plus, it does them no harm having a
female on the bass! Always a plus - just look how well The Pixies did! All
in all, it's a pretty well rounded EP, with their potential showing
strongly - but there still may be a little way to go just yet before
they really hone their sound. Do yourself a favour, don't judge them on
this alone and get your butt down to a live local venue, as this is
where Cross Eyed Mary shine.
RATING: 3 out of 5
Cross Eyed Mary are currently touring Melbourne. The EP launch will be held at RUBY'S LOUNGE, Belgrave. June 1.
For Further Touring Dates Visit: www.crosseyedmary.com.au
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