Last Letter

Personnel: Tanya (vocals, guitar); Lara (vocals, accordion, bells); Jen (mandolin, pennywhistle, xylophone); Sam A. Turner (recorder).
Recording information: Ba Da Bing (11/12/1994-01/31/1997).
On The Last Letter, the Receptionists succeed in creating an endearing lo-fi indie rock record full of surprises. The music is instantly reminiscent of the Raincoats. Half of the disc is new material, while the other half was previously released on various indie rock compilations. The visceral combination of Tanya (guitar), Lara (accordion and bells), and Jenn (mandolin, xylophone and penny whistle) created a unique arrangement of the otherwise standard indie pop/twee pop sound. The disc hits its pace on the jangley "Stamp Song" (complete with harmonious vocals from Tanya and Lara), followed by the introspective and serene "Laundry Song" and the clumsily endearing "Seasonal Affection Disorder." The band's music is sometimes too simple, but more instrumentation might bury the composed and relaxed vocals. The accordion and xylophone set the band apart from the standard guitar-bass-drums arrangement. "Soren Loved Regina" is possibly the most quintessential Receptionists song, simple and unabashedly playful. It was previously released on the March Records compilation, Pop American Style. The songs on The Last Letter were produced by Gary Hohenburger and Sam A. Turner from 1994-1997. Due to the long period of recording, the disc is understandably chaotic, as the band continued to flesh out its sound. It was released by Ba Da Bing Records in 1999. ~ Stephen Cramer