Ednaswap - Ednaswap

This self-titled debut by the Los Angeles band Ednaswap was the result of their apparently unpleasant time signed to East/West Records. Fortunately, they managed to turn out a relatively strong record, which hints at the band's potential, if not often fulfilling it. Ednaswap was produced by the band's guitarist Scott Cutler and Matt Hyde with lead singer Anne Preven handling the writing chores. Preven has a powerful, raspy voice that is akin to Melissa Etheridge but manages to keep the histrionics at a minimum. Guitarists Cutler and Rusty Anderson are talented assets, with their playing ranging from melodic and fluid to jagged and snarling, sometimes within the same song. Their sound is firmly alternative rock that is best exemplified by "Ted and Joe," a tale of AIDS with simmering vocals by Preven, and "Therapy," which is a wry take on the process delivered in an enraged rant. "Torn," later a massive, world-wide smash for Natalie Imbruglia, is raw and riveting and reveals its potential, and "The Goodnight Moon" is a lovely, wistful return to a childhood bedroom. The major downfall of the record is not intent, energy, or delivery. Rather, it is a lack of memorable hooks. ~ Tom Demalon, All Music Guide