ReW*
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ReW*

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"MUSIC REVIEWS"

Its always good to come across a new name & Rew Starr has a lot to commend her to Mudkiss readers. The immediate "USP" might be the rather impressive presence of former Television drummer, Billy Ficca, in her group - but there's plenty more going on here. "That's Rite" is a quietly impressive album, which reeks of its New York origins like a pastrami on rye sandwich or the Lower East Side. She's got a cool, understated singing style, which makes a change from the over-emoting, singing-into-your-hairbrush Duffy style so dominant this side of the Atlantic. There are definite hints of classic Blondie throughout the album, and really nice touches like the second tracks subtle flavours of Nico's "Sunday Morning." Her lyrics are adult & quite explicit at times - generally looking for a bit more than a kiss! - check out "U suck", "U persued me," "Megan", or "Skeletonz", for example. Musically, its the classic New York post-Television sound, sharp & precise - again, early Patti Smith or Blondie are a good reference point, or the albums Johnny Thunders did with Patti Palladin. Apart from Billy Ficca, the group consists of Ricky Wolf Orbach on guitar & Ashley Owl on bass. This is a self-released first album - check www.LuvRew.com for more details.

Apart from the musical activity, Rew Starr also hosts an online tv show - "Rew & Who?" - which has featured many Mudkiss favourites. It goes out on ariZZma entertainment, 4-6pm Wednesdays NYC time - the rest of us can catch it on youTube www.youtube.com/rewandwho any time we like.
- MUDKISS FANZINE - INTERVIEWS & REVIEWS


"that*S*rite review by Joe Viglione"

Review by Joe Viglione
Minimal underground rock has always had a place on college radio and in the caverns that cater to live music, with jangly, primitive, and attitude-heavy instrumental backing performed by musicians who play for the fun of it. Mark Alexander and Teresa Starr of the Echoes take full advantage of the genre, as does the ensemble on Rew*'s that*S*rite CD. On "Skeletonz," the lead singer wants to bare her soul, if the person she's singing to will reciprocate, right after "U Annoy Me," an essay full of relationship negativity that refuses any chance of reconciliation. This is an album chock-full of soap opera dilemmas, one of the most effective being "U Suck," which has so much invective and X-rated language that rappers Living Legends might blush were they to do a cover of it. It also happens to have a great melody and is most useful when an intimate relationship is over and it is time to throw bottles at the wall. Combining the angst of L.A. punk rockers Piss Ant with the spirit of the Echoes results in a risqué approach to light sounds and pretty melodies smashing into heartache...and the mania that sometimes follows. The title track, "That*s Rite," is a slinky, creepy Doors-influenced song about movin' on, with the charismatic frontwoman matter of factly walking out the door. "Megan," on the other hand, is a Lou Reed-ish ballad from his Coney Island Baby period, and will appeal to fans of that classic CD; the subtle guitar lines are a pleasant touch. "Something Rite" is a more positive look at a relationship, the episodes from song to song almost manic in the way the themes change, some lighthearted, many very angry. Drummer Billy Ficca (Television, Dave Rave, Coyote Shivers), bassist Ashley Owl, and lead guitarist Ricky "Wolf" Orbach create a platform that the singer utilizes quite well. All ten titles have impudence and nerve, even when Rew* is at her most congenial, as on the final track, "Gotta Go." All in all, that*S*rite is a good package of "new wave" '70s-style pop songs that exude fun while displaying lots of charm.

- AllMusic.com


"REVIEW: rew - that*s*rite"

rew – that*s*rite
2007 rew

rew traces her performance roots back to vaudeville, where her grandmother performed with the likes of the late, great Jimmy Durante. rew has learned well the tenets of that art form, taking turns on her CD that*s*rite as vulnerable waif, bawdy vixen and spry commentator on the inanities of life. This is all done under a sheen of grrrrl power rock reminiscent of Bif Naked and Tanya Donnelly.

rew writes songs about relationships and emotions without coming off as trite or forced. "U Suck" in particular is very bold but emotionally honest and just a bit funny. "Skeletonz" and "U Pursued Me" are also highlights. The recording itself is sonically primitive (garage sound) and works very well for the material here. I have the distinct impression that these songs lose a bit on CD when compared to the live environment, but as a work, that*s*rite is a very solid recording.

If you live in the New York City area, I would highly encourage you to check out one of rew's shows, and the disc is definitely a keeper. - Wildy's World


"ReW by Karl Macki"

Rew
that*S*rite
CD (2007)

Band Members
Rew--vocals & guitar,
Rick "Wolf" Orbach-- lead guitar
Ashley Owl -- bass
Billy Ficca--drums
Other personnel:
Michelle Fox -- vox on
"u annoy me"

Track Listing

think about
the more I
u suck
something rise
u annoy me
skeletonx
u pursued me
megan
that's rite
gotta go

more songs
at myspace site
(see below)

Websites:

www.myspace.com/rewstarr
www.LuvRew.com

Rew, the lead singer and front woman, is soloing on this release, although it appears the other members playing do float in and out of Rewz bands. Billy Ficca (formerly of the Neon Boys, Television, Gods and Monsters) is listed as playing drums.

As a vocalist and band leader, Rew has been compared to Exene Cervenka and Lucinda Williams. That is, perhaps, apt, for her musical style is quite diverse, blending, pop, punk, new wave, funk, and country. The band at times does sound like "X." I especially liked the first cut of the album, "think about," and the title track. She also writes poetry and performs at various NYC art alternative spaces. She was also a part of the 2007 GIRLS ROCK & GIRLS RULE Tour (more on this at http://revolutionaryrecords.com/ ).

Discography

that*S*rite --10 songs by Rew


- Punk Globe Magazine Online


Discography

that*S*rite

u suck..on Bad Girls CLub
u persued me..winner of Atlas Media songwriting contest
skeletonz..finalst on Goldies Garage on Sirius radio
also airplay on Sirius, Jet Blue, lotsof internet, college stations

*5 songz*
sometimez
runner up in 'the Big Ugly review'
on many compilations

Photos

Bio

Rew*: Plays music for kidz of ALL ages….she has graced the stage with many of her inspirations, including Regina Spektor, Joey Ramone, Patti Smith, David Johanson, Murphy's Law, BETTY, the Spin Doctors & more. Her latest release that*S*rite {featuring Billy Ficca {TELEVISION, Waitresses on drumz} has received rave reviews & songs are in rotation on Sirius and lots of college Radio stations. Her song 'u suck' is featured in the television series the
'BAD GIRLS CLUB' on the Oxygen Network; her song 'u persued me' recently won the Atlas Media songwriting contest. Rew* is a core organizer and performer for the Girls Rock Girls Rule Tour and MAMAPALOOZA. Rew is the hostess of the internet show *Rew & WhO?* airing on
Wednesdays from 4-6pm EST at http://www. arizzmaradio.com
Rew is a featured Mom in the rockumentary *MoMz Hot Rocks* by film maker Kate Perotti …she performs regularly in her hometown of NYC, tours the USA, and has performed at world-renowned festivals like SXSW, CMJ, and Jazzfest.“This is what you moved to NYC for...” (Village Voice)
Music saves my life daily..I am inpsired by so much..mostly R&B & good lyrics all around that talk to me..I'm in 2 projects right now..
One called *Flack Blamingo* w/ Billy Ficca{Television, Waitresses} & Wolf..& the other *R.A.D.*
ReW is endorsed by Daisy Rock Guitars

Both bands perform my original songz. My grandmother was in Vaudeville & sang w/ Jimmy Durante & my mom was on broadway as Shirley MacClaine's understudy, so i guess it's in my genes.

I call myself *PuNkTrY* cause i have a punk rock heart & tell too much information in my songz. My music tells the stories of what i' mgoing through..I sing alot about relationships..
I just saw Leonard Cohen & now he is a total inspiration..I luv practically everyone..Fiona Apple..Courtney Love..Madonna..Britney..Jane's Addiction.. 50 Cent..Marvin Gaye..Michael Jackson..Lisa Marie Presley..so many of my friendz music..& on & On..

I also host an internet show called *ReW & WhO?* every wednesday from NYC & i get to interview & have artists from all over perform on my show & they ALL inspire me.