From Zero To VH1: Midsummer Dreams Do Come True
A Fine Frenzy’s lead-off single is “Almost Lover,” a sure thing for the online dating generation and yet so timeless. Expect to see the video often on VH1 as A Fine Frenzy was just added to the rotation and the artist is now officially one “You Oughta Know.”
Behind A Fine Frenzy is self-taught pianist and songwriter Alison Sudol. Combining piano and red hair one would be hard-pressed to avoid a Tori Amos comparison. But the 22-year-old’s music is actually a lot more like Keane’s debut album. As much as A Fine Frenzy sounds like popular artists who already have their own places in the world, Sudol’s band is carving out its own unique sound. Actress Selma Blair told Interview Magazine, “Her music is haunting.”
A Fine Comparison
The album “One Cell In The Sea,” becomes part of Sudol’s dream come true with its July 17 release. The song “Almost Lover” is in the vein of James Blunt’s “Goodbye My Lover,” but is far less of an ear cleaning as Sudol’s voice is ethereal and easy on the ears. She’s quite easy on the eyes as well with flaming red hair and porcelain skin. Beauty aside, there’s no doubt about it -- the girl can sing. Just listen to the song “Almost Lover” and try to fight the compulsion to hold up a lighter. (Oh yeah, it’s cell phones we hold up now. Forgive.)
Inspiration
She’s young and a self-described loner but Alison Sudol will have very little alone time on tour this summer. Her inspirations are Radiohead, Bjork, and Sigur Ros and it shows in her music. Initially she was into the old school of classical music mixed with Motown. With a band name influenced by Shakespeare, Sudol remains high on art with her literary taste: CS Lewis, EB White, and Charles Dickens are some favorites.
A Fine Frenzy Videos
On recording “One Cell In The Sea”
Rehearsals.com performance of “Almost Lover”
Altitude Interview
Another Alison Sudol Interview
Someone has even used “Almost Lover” for a Jim/Pam montage from NBC’s The Office. It fits our favorite TV romance, or almost romance.
One Cell In The Sea Track List:
1. Come On, Come Out
2. The Minnow & the Trout
3. Whisper
4. You Picked Me
5. Rangers
6. Almost Lover
7. Think of You
8. Ashes and Win
9. Liar, Liar
10. Last of Days
11. Lifesize
12. Near to You
13. Hope for the Hopeless
14. Borrowed Time
Fittingly, A Fine Frenzy is touring currently with Sean Lennon and Rufus Wainwright. It appears to be just the right blend of sounds for anyone’s Midsummer Night’s Dream.
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