Over the years we’ve seen rock and singer/songwriter music slowly erode into over-commercialized, corporate puppet shows providing music that is extremely sing songy, predictable, popish and highly corporate. I hereby call this new breed of music “Poser Rock” & I want to personally thank all the corporate giants for successfully transforming “Sex Drugs & Rock n Roll” into “Yoga, Vitamins, and Nikelback” Of course millions of musical lemmings don’t know the difference anyway, but not everyone is amused. Talking to many music fans out there the response is overwhelming. Give me something new, something raw, something that’s pushes the envelope with a fresh sound that doesn’t leave it soul at the door. Something that doesn’t sound like Nikelback, Daughtry, Lifehouse or Brittney Spears.
So across my desk slides the new CD by Taiwanese vocalist Fang I-Liu entitled “Confessions” released in 2011. What I heard put a smile on my face. It’s a nice easy flowing record that delivers solid songwriting with an amazing voice. This is what I am talking about — yes an amazing voice for a change. Fang I-Liu reminds me of a Taiwanese version of Natalie Imbruglia, Sade, and even Nora Jones. It definitely raises the bar over vocalists like Brittney Spears and company. You will also hear a nice side of Power Pop and even Rock on this EP. If you like the above bands you should definitely check out this EP. My favorite track is probably “China Doll” CD is available on CD BABY & can be downloaded on I — Tunes.
“Confessions” by Fang I-Liu is clearly a solid release with many feel grooves with a pleasant singer/songwriter persona that is just a pleasure to listen to. It’s a record that gives us a fresh glimpse at an amazing Artist from Taiwan who now resides in LA. She also takes us back a few years — before everything started sounding like — well Nikelback and even singers like Brittney Spears.
Kevin Huber
[Rating: 4/5]
