Reviewed by:
illy93, on january 23, 2008
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Sound: Babe In Toyland's 1992 album 'Fontanelle' is 15 tracks of abrasive, aggressive, all-female alternative rock. The music on many songs doesn't necessarily flow fluently but this seems to add some sort of unusual charm to their compositions. With Kat Bjelland on vocals and grungy guitar, Lori Barbero on syncopated drums and vocals and Maureen Herman on a harmonizing bass; the band together created a record that while difficult to love at once it does grow on you, much like their contemporary, Hole, and their debut. However in saying that, Hole's debut songs did seem to flow. Stand out songs such as opening track 'Bruise Violet', 'Bluebell', 'Spun' and the musical arrangement 'Quiet Room' (which was actually composed with Courtney Love of Hole and Jennifer Finch of L7 in their days as the band 'Sugar Baby Doll') show off their true musical talent and abilities to perform together. // 9
Lyrics and Singing: Bjelland's voice is strong and powerful, yet bratty like a school girl; but it suits the bands style of music. When Barbero takes lead vocals on 'Magick Flute', the listener is treated to a more womanly voice, though the musical composition seems to let her down. The lyrics are somewhat primitive and while there is plenty of descriptive language and rhyming, which you would expect in a song, Bjelland is constantly ruining the band's surreal, imaginative atmosphere by swearing. Personally, I have nothing against swearing in a song, but the way Bjelland does it frequently just makes the band sound like try hards. // 7
Impression: If this album was stolen or lost, I'd probably buy it again; because even though it has minor flaws, this album is quirky and actually rather influential. I really like the band's music, despite the mentioned gripes, and I would definitely would recommend 'Fontanelle' people. // 8
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