Search - Elizabeth & Catapult :: Taller Children

Great new music (finally!)

Jonah Bishop | Durham, NC USA | 06/16/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Let it be known that I consider myself "old fashioned" when it comes to music. If it wasn't recorded in the 1960s, 70s, or 80s, I typically don't give it the time of day (though there are a few exceptions, such as They Might Be Giants). I'm happy to say that creativity does indeed still exist, as manifested in "Taller Children," the debut album for Elizabeth and the Catapult.



I was introduced to this group via a recent segment on National Public Radio's "All Things Considered." In the segment, NPR's Elizabeth Blair interviewed the band and discussed how the title track was written and recorded. Upon hearing the opening portion of the song, I was instantly floored. The tune was catchy and the lyrics clever. I was instantly tapping my foot along with the beat, and marveled at the unique 13 beat time signature.



After hearing the piece on the radio, I headed directly to Amazon to preview the entire album. It sounded great, so I bought it. Wow! The quality of this album is terrific, wall to wall. Elizabeth Ziman's vocals are incredible, and the music spans a wide range of genres, each an enjoyable listen. My favorites include Taller Children, Rainiest Day of Summer, Race You, and Everybody Knows.



If you're like me and think that most of today's music is over-produced drivel with little to no creativity, you owe it to yourself to check out this album. It's refreshing to finally find something new that's worth listening to!"

Brilliant Debut CD From Elizabeth And The Catapult

Philip R. Heath | DFW | 07/17/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Taller Children is the debut CD from Elizabeth and the Catapult, and it is a gorgeous collection of pop variety at its best. While the instrumentation is good, what makes the music go is Elizabeth Abby Lynn Zimen's vocals. She calls to mind Sarah McLachlan on some of the slower tracks such as "Apathy" and "Golden Ink". The strings and piano on these tracks also support this comparison. "Right Next To You" has a feel that would be at home on Dido's No Stranger. I love these songs because they really showcase Zimen's voice while supporting it with just the right amount of instrumentation to enhance without overwhelming. Some songs have a more folk/pop sound to them such as "Mama's Boy" and "The Hang Up". Both in style and vocal subject (bad relationships) these songs would be at home on KT Tunstall's Eye To The Telescope. However, lest this be merely a comparison of female singer/songwriters, we get an interesting in "Hit The Wall". After the first verse and chorus, the guitar line that follows sounds like something that would fit nicely on the 80's smash CD from INXS Kick. Rounding things out nicely from a style perspective is "Complementary Me". This track has more of a country/bluegrass feel to it - especially when the hand claps pick up before and through the second verse. One other excellent song that stands on its own is "Rainiest Day Of Summer". In the first verse, Zimen says that she is "feeling melancholy", and the mood of the instruments really draws out that feeling.



Now you might be thinking to yourself, "Wow, this sounds like a mess. It's all over the place." However, Taller Children is held together quite nicely by the constant of Zimen's voice. I'll be interested to see if they take a more focused approach on future CDs, but I also really can't wait to find out. I recommend giving Taller Children a try. I think you'll like what you find.



Download this: Rainiest Day Of Summer"

Refreshingly Brilliant

Daniel W Scholl | 07/05/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Elizabeth and the Catapult's "Taller Children" album is a breath of fresh air. The talent of this trio shines through on each track--smart lyrics, catchy melodies and musical ability to boot. The transitions within the individual tracks truly show an musical knowledge and inventiveness. Elizabeth brings forth a young and fresh take on pop music, while channeling classic singer/songwriters like Joni Mitchell (especially on "Complimentary Me". My personal favorite track is "Race You", but be warned that the melody will be stuck in your head for days on end upon hearing--fortunately it's a brilliant song that I welcome into my cranium. Great, great live show too..."