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2002, DigitalCity.com
So you find yourself saying, “Man, they’re still around?” And if you’re not saying that, consider this: in the early ‘90s, England’s Cranes were on the verge of bringing moody, Gothic-style rock to the mainstream. Their first two proper records, 'Wings of Joy' and 'Forever,' were critic and fan favorites alike, yielding a semi-hit single, 'Jewel,' off the latter album. Singer Alison Shaw sounded like a wounded 11-year-old, drums took the primal route and the guitars scrawled or hushed. It was more like the stuff one expected from the 4AD label, a la early Dead Can Dance or early Cocteau Twins. Over the next few records, lineup and production changes show a lightening of the heavy accents -- some songs on recent records could even be considered pop. And even though their latest release, 'Future Songs,' includes more pop excursions, it still retains the moodier elements that made the Cranes’ name in the first place.
Reviewed by Andy Fenwick
© DigitalCity.com 2002
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