Ednaswap Albums (3)
What The Critics Say
Following two albums and one EP, Ednaswap's "Torn" finally became a hit -- for Australian vocalist Natalie Imbruglia, not for the band itself. Consequently, their third album Wonderland Park was in the weird position of being perceived as a follow-up, even if it was simply another shot at success -- either mainstream or cult -- for the group. Wonderland Park, like its predecessors, isn't the kind of record that would satiate fans of Imbruglia's {&"Torn,"} but it offers similar, albeit more sophisticated, pleasures. For one, Anne Preven's voice is edgier than Natalie's, and Ednaswap layers guitars and keyboards into a catchy yet forceful sound that isn't necessarily harsh, but certainly hits harder than Imbruglia's polished adult alterna-pop. Then again, Ednaswap isn't a hard-rocking outfit, either, but what makes them distinctive is the combination of Preven's nakedly emotional lyrics and the band's surging performances. It's a combination that doesn't always work -- a few of the songs on Wonderland Park fall flat, either because the music doesn't hold or Preven tries too hard with her lyrics -- but when it does, the music is among the best alterna-pop of 1998. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Had things worked out differently, Wacko Magneto might have been Ednaswap's commercial breakthrough; hard-edged and tough-minded, its smart combination of metal textures, punk intensity, and alt-rock melodicism seemed an ideal fit for modern rock radio circa 1997. Instead, the record went nowhere, becoming something of a curiosity only when singer Natalie Imbruglia scored a smash hit with a feather-light pop rendition of the album's primal-scream centerpiece "Torn." Listeners expecting Wacko Magneto to offer anything even remotely close to Imbruglia's smooth dance-pop approach are in for a rude awakening, however; vocalist Anne Previn owes much more to the gritty swagger of Chrissie Hynde, while tracks like "Clown Show" and "Chordomatic" seethe with anger and energy. ~ Jason Ankeny, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
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
