Catherine has pared down to a two-guitar band, and the Chicago based alterno-pop quartet sound better than ever. On previous efforts, the onslaught of three guitars sometimes obliterated the power of their vocals. Here, Mark Rew's interpretation of the band's laconic lyrics are at the forefront. Check out his breathy into to "Milkshake," which is set to psychedelic music that sounds like an estranged cousin of the Beatles' *quot;Strawberry Fields Forever."

By contrast, the crunching guitars and Rew's sassy vocals on the first single "Four Leaf Clover" screams 1996. Rew gets some vocal assistance from Smashing Pumpkins' bassist D'Arcy, who is married to Catherine drummer Kerry Brown. Playing the coquette, D'Arcy shares the same register as Rew, and the two almost sound like one, sweetly dueling on their duet. "Hot Saki & Bedtime Stories" is Catherine's poppiest album to date and the band revels in the freedom to unleash melodies without worrying about playing at warp speed.

But if there's any question as to Catherine's love of guitars, listen to the wah-wah effects on "Cotton Candy High" and you'll have your answer.

Catherine will perform Saturday at Metro.

Article From - Chicago Sun Times

Date - September 22, 1996

Article By - Jae-Ha Kim

Thanks To Jenny