On
The Last Letter
,
the Receptionists
succeed in creating an endearing lo-fi
indie rock
record full of surprises. The music is instantly reminiscent of
the Raincoats
. Half of the disc is new material, while the other half was previously released on various
compilations. The visceral combination of
Tanya
(guitar),
Lara
(accordion and bells), and
Jenn
(mandolin, xylophone and penny whistle) created a unique arrangement of the otherwise standard
indie pop
/
twee pop
sound. The disc hits its pace on the jangley
"Stamp Song"
(complete with harmonious vocals from
and
), followed by the introspective and serene
"Laundry Song"
and the clumsily endearing
"Seasonal Affection Disorder."
The band's music is sometimes too simple, but more instrumentation might bury the composed and relaxed vocals. The accordion and xylophone set the band apart from the standard guitar-bass-drums arrangement.
"Soren Loved Regina"
is possibly the most quintessential
Receptionists
song, simple and unabashedly playful. It was previously released on the
March Records
compilation,
Pop American Style
. The songs on
were produced by
Gary Hohenburger
Sam A. Turner
from 1994-1997. Due to the long period of recording, the disc is understandably chaotic, as the band continued to flesh out its sound. It was released by
Ba Da Bing Records
in 1999. ~ Stephen Cramer