Customer Reviews

Lovers Lead the Way (Dig)

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The sophomore effort by husband and wife team Kevin and Anita Robinson is a musical *tour de force.* If Hooray For Now was a jet taking off, then Lovers Lead the Way is this same jet reaching cruising altitude. It's more sedate and contemplative than Hooray, but continues to display the creative genius of this very dynamic duo. Their style is difficult to describe. It's a multi-disciplined alternative rock theme, but ecclectic and creative. There is no schlock-rock with these guys! Think of them as a latter day Blue Oyster Cult but without the sinister undertones.

Anita Robinson is far and away one of the best guitarists in the business. Kevin is a multi-talented, multi-disciplined musician in his own right.

(...)

Heard this on our local college station and got two. One for myself and the office. Incredible stuff. Haven't been a fan of current music for a while and this gives me hope. Wish there was more music like this. Samantha.

I was just given this disc to review for a zine in my hometown. I haven't stopped listening to it since I got it two weeks ago! Who are these guys? Great great stuff. I also work for Everybodys Records (the best record store in town, or anywhere for that matter), and will most assuredly carry this album! I am glad to see it here & have it linked from our site!

I have not heard any other CD of Viva Voce. However, I am in love with this album. Though not completely, it does keep me interested, but there are a few throw-away songs on there. But I would still recommend buying this, as some of the songs are absoultley breathtaking, and worth having a listen. I enjoy the soultry sounds and head bobbing-beats. It has variation and is all around lovely.

Do a little internet research on Viva Voce (Kevin and Anita Robinson) and phrases such as... indie rock powerhouse, driving force or sonic explosion fill your screen. Listen to their second full length album, "Lovers, Lead the Way!" and you are likely to throw out a few firm flattering adjectives yourself.

"Lover, Lead the Way!" will escort you transcendentally through fifteen mesmerizing Beatle-esque arrangements. Each track demonstrates this husband-and-wife-team's ability to maneuver cleverly between genres, not only from song to song, but within songs.

The alluringly celestial vocals of Anita Robinson blend delightfully with the psychedelic feel created by the strong delivery of her very unique guitar tones. "Lovers, Lead the Way!" is an enchanting musical accomplishment sure to bring you consciousness-expanding enjoyment. -Jaimie D. Travis, LadySixString.com, 07.11.03

Viva Voce is the husband and wife duo of Kevin and Anita Robinson, from Portland, Oregon. Their debut album was released a few years back on a major label subsidary, their sophomore full length is a co-release with their own label Amore! Phonics and Asthmatic Kitty. Viva Voce writes great songs, but on top of that their production skills are top notch - it's hard to believe this album was recorded entirely at home by two people. Home recording is a full time fascination for Kevin, who is also a staff writer for Tape Op magazine. The production and overall sound on this record evokes Phil Spector at times and early 90s shoegaze records (think Darling Buds, Drop Nineteens or even My Bloody Valentine). Kevin and Anita trade off vocal duties, often giving the proceedings a 60s feel-good, summertime feel.

(info courtesy of Fanatic Promotion)

Something that sticks out to me about this album is the amazing amount of growth from "Hooray for Now" to this album. Viva Voce has established a great signiture sound that is wonderfully creative. It brings mystery and intrigue into music. That is what they have continued to build on in their later efforts. great work!

Viva Voce is the husband and wife duo of Kevin and Anita Robinson, from Portland, Oregon. Their debut album was released a few years back on a major label subsidary, their sophomore full length is a co-release with their own label Amore! Phonics and Asthmatic Kitty. Viva Voce writes great songs, but on top of that their production skills are top notch - it's hard to believe this album was recorded entirely at home by two people. Home recording is a full time fascination for Kevin, who is also a staff writer for Tape Op magazine. The production and overall sound on this record evokes Phil Spector at times and early 90s shoegaze records (think Darling Buds, Drop Nineteens or even My Bloody Valentine). Kevin and Anita trade off vocal duties, often giving the proceedings a 60s feel-good, summertime feel.

(info courtesy of Fanatic Promotion)

The husband/wife duo of Viva Voce has veered noticeably from their earlier noise pop/alternative rock sound. This disc is all over the map stylistically, with the duo handling most of the instruments themselves. Not a bad listen, but a consistent style would be nice.

Just got this in the mail. Keep in mind that this packaging has both a shrinkwrap and one of those little sticker labels on the top of the CD case to prevent it from being opened. Unfortunately, the sticker will rip off the from and back sides of the CD case, leaving only white fuzz, when you attempt to remove it. You can either deal with having a ripped-up CD case, or you can slip a knife in there and cut the sticker and leave that on there permanently. If you're looking for this CD and like to keep the album cases, then you might want to try getting it directly from the record company in the hopes that it won't put you in this kind of double bind.