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Cherilyn Macneil, lead singer of Harris Tweed, is ...
Cherilyn Macneil, lead singer of Harris Tweed, is magic. This impression lasts throughout the album The Younger -- although the it delivers much more than just a pretty voice. This first CD by the South African group has a bit more around the waist than your average pop album, and edges towards soulful rock filled with interesting lyrics. The group's first single, Superfly, has been well received on radio stations, steadily climbing the charts. Most of the songs on the album are radio friendly and we can expect to hear more from them than just one single. Apparently, the group spent quite a few months fine-tuning the recording and it definitely shows. The Younger is well-rounded, enjoyable and should find a wide audience among South Africans. -- Yolandi Groenewald
- Mail and Guardian
The vocal prowess of one Cherilyn MacNeil will spin around your aural cavity and leave you happier, fulfilled and feeling full of the joys of spring 11 tracks later. Who would have thought music could do that? Between lyrics that sucker-punch and melodies that cuddle and caress, not owning this disc means you're missing out on more than just a little action. JC
LIKE-MINDED GENIUS: Lily Allen, 'Alright, Still' - Musica Pulse Magazine
There is a track on this album called 'Ode to Confusion' that is one of the most pleasant and original ditties I've heard in ages. Its such a clever composition that I'd venture to say it may be worth buying this album purely for this track. This song really does stand out, but the rest of the album is also worthy of praise. Joburg-based-chief-Harris Tweed songwriter and vocalist Cherilyn MacNeil, along with Darryl Torr has presented an enjoyable, soulful and heartfelt album. Harris Tweed covers a variety of styles, from thoughtful pop to more sincere ivory-tinkering ballads. MacNeil's voice is original, providing an agreeable variation from the many South African artists annoyingly trying to emulate Karma of Henry Ate. Hopefully this album will earn the local songbird some international recognition.
- Michael Maurel - Saturday Star
Harris Tweed, made up of supertalented Cherilyn MacNeil and Darryl Torr, appeared on the music scene in 2006 with the divinely catchy album, 'The Younger'. The intelligent lyrics, potent sound and intense vibe of Harris Tweed is memorable and likeable - you probably already know the first single, 'Superfly'. They're in a spectacular league of their own - not light rock, pop, nor folk, but loads of substance! - Leisure Options
Imagine Henry Ate's Karma Ann inviting Sarah Mac and maybe Tori Amos around for a cup of tea and a chat and you've got some idea of where Harris Tweed's debut is on the musical map. It's a palate-cleansing pot of downbeat piano ballad goodbyes, deceptively airy minor key confusions and alternative country cruises. Lead singer Cherilyn MacNeil and guitarist Darryl Torr tweak the strong 'n sensitive envelope on cute 'n cuddly pop ditties such as 'Ode to Confusion' and femme-folk smiles such as stuck on this course before smashing the stereotypes with a killer electro-clash anthem 'Superfly' that synchs straight up with the fashionably chic retro-80's pop crop.
MICHAEL LOCKSLEY - Obrigado
Discography
The Younger
Photos
Bio
It has been dubbed 'The Dance of the Dueling Keyboards'.
Cherilyn MacNeil and Darryl Torr sit down.
Nose to nose.
Girl to man.
Fingers tingling with anticipation on the black and white keys.
Then suddenly hands and hearts start;
The songstress opens her mouth;
And out comes a sound quite unlike anything you've heard before.
Harris Tweed is the delightful duo that has been winning the hearts of South African music lovers ever since they released their debut album in August 2006. From their native Johannesburg, the Tweeds (as they are affectionately known) have travelled their unique brand of folk/pop around the nation, gaining heartfelt supporters wherever they go.
Last year, they doled out their delicate song-craft on stage with Swedish folk master, Jose Gonzales, were nominated for a SAMA award for their self-made album, "The Younger", and impressed 15 000 youngsters supporting american rockers, Fall Out Boy at the Coca-Cola dome. Add to that a showcase at Austin's prestigious SXSW festival and a mini-tour of Europe, and you start to catch the pace these two young talents have set their metronomes to.
Although the form and instrumentation of Harris Tweed's sound is ever-fluid, it is consistently distinguished by the appearance of intelligent pop songs, flooded with soul and performed with passion, fun and the pair's character quirkiness. Hence their evolution into a stage act accessorised with various pedals, strings, keys and claps, a bell, a tambourine, a stomp box and a loop station - a machine that Torr operates with his feet, which allows them to record and layer their musical offerings as they perform.
Not surprising then that the duo have cemented their place as a strong calling-card on any bill, and will have their work cut out for them in 2008 if they are to satiate the appetites of their faithful fans. However, the first quarter of this year will be devoted to the recording of a new album, a body of work which Cherilyn says, "will hopefully capture (their) distinctive identity." For now that is.
All over the globe there are devotees waiting breath-bated to see what the pair will achieve next, and thousands who are yet to fall for their infectious musical magnetism. MacNeil and Torr have set their sights on world-wide success, and at the rate they're going it is inevitable they will reach their dream. Their talent is intuitive and their resolve unshakable. The only limit is their imaginations.
band members: 2
for bookings contact:
Claudia Mascia
Roadshock
email: claudia@roadshock.co.za
c: +27 83 228 2701
t: +27 11 726 1594
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