Members: Simon Petty, guitar, harmonica, vocals; Tim Walker, lead guitar, lap steel guitar, vocals; Malcolm Cross, drums; Sid Jordan, bass, piano, vocals.
Material: British turned LA hipsters, Minibar, have mastered the art of pop song craft with their breezy California harmonies and tight, hook-laden choruses. But, unlike many similar pop songsters, Minibar eagerly branches out and explores the broad confines of the pop genre. Consequently, the band writes upbeat three chord pop as effectively as they write delicately arranged, rootsy, country flavored tunes. However, even through their broad range of styles, the band still establishes a fundamental sound that is always identifiable.
Musicianship: Each member of the quartet is a versatile musician and throughout their set the band switches up instruments and adds new ones into the mix. From their beautiful harmonies to their tight instrumental interplay, there is great synergy to Minibar’s sound. Together, the band fully understands the dynamic of each particular song and is able to adjust accordingly. Tim Walker, the bands talented guitarist, particularly stands out adding texture with his atmospheric lap steel and lead guitar work.
Performance: To cap off their month long residency at Largo, the band treated audience members to a two hour, 20 song set. Minibar’s performance was a loose, audience friendly affair that culminated with the crowd shouting out song requests. To the crowds delight, Minibar producer and Wallflower’s keyboardist, Rami Jaffee, sat in with the band, playing keyboards and accordion on half a dozen songs. In addition to performing songs from their first record, Minibar performed newly minted songs from their just released Unstoppable EP and their forth-coming full length record.
Overall: Since leaving Universal Records earlier this year, the band has become a mainstay on the LA music scene. Additionally, songs from their latest independently released EP have been getting air play on KCRW. Minibar’s timeless brand of pop will surely intrigue even the toughest of critics, while their polished, radio friendly sound should be enough to win over the masses. Minibar’s timeless brand of pop is only helped by their polished, radio friendly sound. Needless to say, pop connoisseurs will surely be intrigued by the band’s tight song craft.
From Music Connection, October 2002
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