ricochetmusic - 4/4/1999 (www.ricochetmusic.com)

Band:         Filet of Soul

Album:      Incommunicado

Label:       Shank Records

Those expecting a Vigilantes of Love-like sound on Filet Of Soul's hot indie debut, Incommunicado, will be surprised. Yes, VOL head Bill Mallonee produces three tracks; yes, the acoustic guitar-based band lists VOL as an influence. But Incommunicado's 12 tracks are a distinct and pleasurable mix of funk, folk, and bluesy rock.

Songs such as the album opener "Away" manage to bring together crisp rhythms, fretless bass, and smooth background vocals in a way that is pure pop, almost in a Counting Crows-like way. Add in some impressive acoustic guitar work and the strong singing voice of frontman Adam Beadles, and you've got a sound that leaves the listener thirsting for more. Even when you'd think that such cliches as slap bass and wah-wah guitar would sound boring, songs such as "Copperpot" and "Point Of View" pull it off, and pull it off big.

Filet of Soul is a band to look out for. Between their gorgeous melodies, able musicianship, and strong songwriting sense, there's enough talent and raw chops here to go around. One of the better indie releases heard in 1998.

--Derek Walker