Imagine The Roches, Cake and Throwing Muses all get merged together in some weird science experiment. The outcome would be Charming Hostess's big band. It appears that Charming Hostess has undergone some lineup changes over the years, but the self-described "large-band" is the one that plays on Punch. Jewlia Eisenberg is the lead singer and songwriter for Charming Hostess and the only member of both the old and new line-up.
The music has a serious middle-eastern, Israeli, feel to it. The lyrical content tends to rip modern ideas, like Lot doing horrible things to earn his reward. But the lyrics are kind of secondary to the melody. Charming Hostess combine the intelligent songwriting of Kristin Hersh (Throwing Muses), the harmony of the Roche Sisters, and the bass-driven music of Cake. The music gets a little repetitive, as most CDs that rely on harmony vocals tend to, but overall each song stands strong.
Progressive Rock / Metal fans probably won't find much to their interest here, but Punch is highly recommended to fans of Garrison Starr, Belly, Barbara Manning and the above mentioned bands. Charming Hostess is not afraid to step out of the norm and make sounds that appeal to them and listeners as well. The angst plays out well and the rhythm keeps everything moving.
Track Listing
1.Ms Lot 1:39
2. Aish Ye Kdish 3:18
3. Heaven Sitting Down 4:05
4. Torso 4:40
5. Esturlu 2:44
6. Long Black Veil 4:42
7. Street Of Tubing 5:09
8. Two Boys 2:27
9. Rise 4:30
10. Kaffe Turke 1:35
11. Szerelem 4:27
12. Lady Gay 7:01
13. The Procedure and King Cobra 4:14
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