CMJ Journal Live Review
NEW MUSIC SEMINAR New York City, June 17-20
The Cakekitchen outside CBGBs
This yearīs NMS hosted a wealth of overseas talent and Homesteadīs excellant showcase on Wednesday at CBGB`s was no exception. New Zealandīs "Cakekitchen" made itīs New York City debut, enrapturing a crowd thatīs always convinced itīs seen it all. At the heart of the Cakekitchen lies Graeme Jefferiesī profound voice and the limitless energy of his guitar. Jefferiesīvoice is unnervingly deep, and live it radiates the warm and fullness suggested by the bands two albums. His stage manor pays tribute to his roots - thereīs a Bowie-esque melodrama to his sideways glances, his slight figure clothed in black and his delicate, almost feminine features. Jeffereisī a longtime Xpressway music maker, has delved deep into the nooks and crannies of his guitar. Songs from "Time Flowing Backwards", "World of Sand" and even a few new ones made for a rich set. -Lydia Anderson
Chicago Tribune
NEW MUSIC SEMINAR CBGB June 17-20
By Greg Kot Rock Music Critic
The seminarīs finest band was the Cakekitchen. Hereīs a combo with a fully evolved sound and a strong batch of original songs, built around Graeme Jefferiesībaritone vocals and serrating guitar. The veteran trio is typical of the New Zealand music scene, where bands are allowed to mature and develop in obscurity, free from the media attention that surronds and eventually swallows the slightest of newcomers in America and England.
In a year in which Nirvana has given garage bands everywhere hope of instant record-company cash, the Cakekitchen offers perhaps the truest alternative to the madness: great music.
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