Fernando - Dreams Of The Sun and Sky - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

Frank Turner is an English folk singer/songwriter, and former vocalist of legendary UK punk band Million Dead. Like an earlier folksinger with roots in the punk movement, Billy Bragg, Turner spits out songs that are at once effortless and heartfelt, filled with venom, self-doubt, and love for the everyday people he meets in the street.

This is a powerful, hard-edged record by a truly committed artist. Fernando Viciconte, hailing from a Mexican barrio in Southern California (Pacoima), has seen both the bright and dark side of life, and he communicates it with fantastic clarity on his debut album. His influences range from the Sir Douglas Quintet, Sam the Sham & the Pharaohs, Ritchie Valens, and surprisingly, punk music. His songs and delivery are frighteningly real and powerful, and this may be the most committed artist to come down the line since the Clash. The record has a great retro vibe, and part of that is due to producer/multi-instrumentalist Luther Russell, a fine artist in his own right. Echoes of mid-'60s punk/psych abound drums mic'd close and in your face, beautifully cheesy organ (primarily used as a rhythm instrument), and furiously strummed electric guitar. All of these elements frame Fernando's songs with a directness that recalls John Lennon's Plastic Ono Band. A brilliant debut by an artist who arrives as a veteran.

Enter to Exit is the latest from Portland, Oregon-based pop songsmith Fernando Viciconte and his band - Portland stalwarts Jeff InchChetInch Lyster and Derek Brown (both of the Eels), Paul Brainard (Richmond Fontaine), Qwee, and Lewi Longmire (a journeyman in the NW's roots -Rock and Country scene). coupling gorgeous melodies and rich vocals with haunting lyricism, InchEnter to ExitInch is another dose of Fernando's dark, haunting world wrapped in a pretty, sparkling package. Fernando's melodies are always spot-on, as is his voice, while his lyrics paint a different picture, one of sadness, sorrow, and demos. This is Fernando at his best, mixing the melancholy of 2001's Dreams of the Sun and Sky with more realized Pop arrangements, ensuring that you sing along - even when times are dark. InchFernando Viciconte may not be a household name, but the Portland, Oregon singer has the dynamic persona of a certified Rock Star... it is Viciconte's somber vocal melodies that steal the show. Inch - CMJ New Music Report Issue 731 - Sep 10, 2001.