Va’s Her Next Friend has put out a decidedly “un run of the mill” cd in “Disaster Casual”. The 2008 release features a motley mix of melodies penned by John Burton who is also lead man on vox. Finding a similarity to another act for a point of reference is more than difficult but also says something about the uniqueness of Her Next Friend.
The music is quirky, the vocals are peculiar (one is never sure if they are off course or just distinctive) and the result is a collection of tunes that are catchy in their jangly rock pop way and the musicianship is indeed well crafted and without any holes to be poked through.
The conundrum of “Disaster Casual” is the mix of the music and Burton’s vocal style. It works on some levels and on others it seems incongruous and clumsy. Well written lyrics and well executed music save the cd and keep you listening.
Her Next Friend are certainly radar worthy and require more than just a surface surf. Dig in, unusual may be the next big thing.
