Choice Cuts: September 2001

Artist: The Fearless Freep

Album: And Fall Is How You Sleep

The Scoop: A low-fi outing from Robert John Stephens, operating under the name of The Fearless Freep. In addition to writing, playing and singing all the songs, Stephens also recorded the album. And, though it is frequently used as a cop-out, in this case the occasional DIY sacrifices in audio quality actually do add to the charms of these songs. The frequent comparison to The Grifters is appropriate, and this is the rare album that is painlessly listenable from beginning to end.

Highlighted Track: “Day’s Stories” You’re not sure whether to be soothed or saddened by the cloudy guitars and the somnolent vocals.

Honorable Mention: “Tonight, We’re Stepping Out of Bounds, Tonight” is a brisk change of pace with its crunchy guitars, as if to say “We’re tired of being melancholy, dammit, and it’s time to party.”

For More Info: Visit http://www.magwheel.com (although the Freep page was down as of the last time I checked).

Artist: Violet Indiana

Album: Roulette

The Scoop: Former Cocteau Twins frontman Robin Guthrie and former Mono frontwoman Siobhan De Mare unite for this full-length follow-up to their critically acclaimed debut EP. Roulette is a winning hybrid of balladry and trip-pop that allows both Guthrie and De Mare to shine.

Highlighted Track: “Feline or Famine” is a gorgeous piece, deceptively simple in construction and lush in its execution. De Mare is one of a mere handful of vocalists who can accurately be labeled a “chanteuse.”

Honorable Mention: “Killer Eyes,” the first single, is an example of how well Guthrie’s smart melodies complement De Mare’s dreamy-but-intense vocals. “Sundance” would be a safe pick for second single, boasting the album’s catchiest refrain.

Extra Buzz: Apparently a video for “Killer Eyes” accompanies the single. It’s rated XXX. Alas, it wasn’t included in this reviewer’s press kit.

For More Info: Visit Bella Union at http://www.bellaunion.com

Artist: Toulouse

Album: New Points New Lines

The Scoop: You know, back in my day, I remember when members of a band tended to live in the same city. At least for a little while. Toulouse makes the long distance music love work, though, despite rarely seeing one another. Maybe this strategy could have saved Pavement. Aden Kumler’s funked-out bass lines are a highlight throughout, while Christopher Moisan’s psychedelic farfisa and piano also take the spotlight on many tracks.

Highlight Track: “Commuter Maquette” is a brisk new-wave number that, as with the rest of the album, sounds like its seeds were sown in London instead of Chicago. But it is not so.