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
