The Sawtelles, Dime Museum (myspace.com/thesawtelles). The Sawtelles are a spare duo, but remarkably complete: Just a drummer and a guitarist manage to fill out a whole spectrum of sound. What’s more, Dime Museum strikes a great balance throughout its 11-song length. The tunes are pretty and soothing without being soporific. The chords and playing styles are just familiar enough and just fresh enough. The singing is competent and varied and the lyrics are interesting, but neither dominates or overpowers the overall feel of the album. Part pop, part “indie”—whatever that means these days—The Sawtelles have found a satisfying mixture all their own. —Vivian Nereim, New Haven Advocate ..................................................................................................................
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The Sawtelles' term for their brand of semi-acoustic pop-rock, "nerve rock," doesn't really signify anything, but while they're playing (and only while they're playing) it just fits. After stripping down to a guitar/percussion duo, they've somehow managed to sound fuller and rawer than ever. There are arguable paradoxes like that all over this disc--somehow, it's warmer and harsher, poppier and artier than their debut. Chalk some of that up to Peter Riccio's songwriting. Chalk some of it up to the arrangements--the drone Peter sustains on his guitar sounds almost like a cello at times, and Julie Riccio's vocals add much to the music's tonal range. And the recording--for the Sawtelles to sound as good as they should, Peter's guitar needs to sound big and Julie's drums need to sound crisp, and the few atmospheric flourishes here add welcome drama. This is a clear creative step forward for the Sawtelles, and a disc that sounds as satisfying as their live performances.
by Brian G. LaRue - November 3, 2005 ________________________________________________________________
Thanks for the songs the other night. ..class was added to the show. My mind & ears now ring with the jangly tonal goodness of the Sawtelles. Open for the hound any time.
Thanks so much for playing for Fiddleheads twice. You guys mean alot to us, the vendors make a nice audience eh? Will be in touch about future benefits for Sawtelles + Fiddleheads! any fresh ideas send them this way. Thanks again for playing your music for us.
Note: Sawtelles Tommorrow!! Please come on In! We now have a freezer and fridge and need your requests to fill them! We need yOur support! Free Music for Saturday, April 19th: 10:30am The Impossibillies with Craig Edwards- old time fiddle tunes, blues and singin'. www. fiddlecraig. com 12noon Maggies Guitar- partners and harmonies in original folk and covers www. ronglethrow. com/audiopage. html 1pm The Sawtelles - Zest! of a nerve-rock duo w/guitar/uke, drums and vocal harmonies. www. myspace. com/thesawtelles Please come and enjoy and support the vibrant music of our community!
