Review: OnlyPunjab.com

Formed in London during the mid-90’s, Minibar relocated to LA in 2000 to follow the California dream, and debut UK release, Fly Below The Radar positively oozes with that glorious west-coast cool.

Comparisons have been made to the melodic pop of Evan Dando, The Thrills and Ryan Adams, however Minibar’s classy combination of intricate melodies and blissful acoustica have seen them emerge as one of LA’s favourite adopted folk-rock offspring, rising alongside their contempories, and drawing praise from all corners of the US media.

US rock bible, Revolver Magazine, hailed Minibar’s sound as 'a classic American sound combined with first-rate English songcraft' while fellow US rock journal, Revolver, claimed Minibar’s tunes were 'a pleasing combination of easy-going twang and vigorous pop-rock.'

With soaring three-part harmonies backing the sweet rasp of Simon Petty’s vocals, the California sound is eloquently mixed with classic British pop influences, as Petty states 'The harmonies may stack up west coast style, but the music nods to our British roots.' Fly Below The Radar is a melodically mesmerizing album about life, love, and loss, filled with soaring rootsy grace and timeless West Coast style harmonies, effortlessly capturing the beauty and darkness of the jagged Californian landscape.

Minibar are: Simon Petty (guitar, vocals), Tim Walker (pedal steel, guitar, vocals), Sid Jordan (bass, accordion, vocals,), Malcolm Cross (drums, vocals).

'One of the best bands I have ever seen': Pete Yorn

'Easily one of the best records you will hear this year': Jakob Dylan, The Wallflowers

'This U.K. to L.A. transplant mixes British pop – from Elvis Costello and Beatles to Oasis – with the melancholy prettiness of Cali-folk-rock': LA Times

Band: Minibar
Album: Fly Below The Radar
Release Date: March 22 2004
Label: Excited Recordings (www.excitedrecordings.com)

From Onlypunjab.com
Originally published November 22, 2004