Reviewed by Kit Burns
Frances Ancheta/Now We’re Here
Filipino singer/songwriter Frances Ancheta may employ an acoustic guitar, but her quietly pretty songs are more coffeehouse pop than folk, which is fine with me. Given the glut of unplugged young lyricists out there, it’s not easy to encounter someone with a voice that is distinguishable from the crowd. At times Ancheta recalls Corrine Drewery of Swing Out Sister; an obscure reference, sure, but there’s no denying the similarity there, especially on “Coming Home.” “Coming Home” is also one of the tracks on the CD which may reel in indie geeks with an insatiable appetite for twee, especially those who love the sadly beautiful sentiments of the Sundays.
“School of Fish” is the most upbeat track on the album as Ancheta’s guitars have a spiky push. Much of the record, though, is rainy-day introspection, and Ancheta reveals her true influences by the perhaps unconsciously given English accents on “Hidden Song” and “Nothing Really Matters,” drawing close to the likes of Frente! and Morrissey. Ancheta offers pleasant summer afternoon listening that is an inviting respite from the noise of the underground.
