Band

Music

Press

Store

Email

Story

Home

 

ARTIST: ARCTIC SONG: BLUE EYES GENRE: ROCK / POP SIMILAR: BLONDIE, STEVIE NICKS Why isn't this band played on the radio is the first question that comes to mind! Arctic is a very professional Australian band with the vocals of an angel. We shall deam her "Angel Kate"! Whoever the teacher was that told Kate she couldn't sing should be fired! Fred Leduc has the golden fingers of a god on those 6 strings. Graeme "Rocket" Kent on bass along with Anthony Scaffidi on drums make a tight rhythm section that compliments the guitar work of Fred Leduc. The song Blue Eyes is a real "toe tapper". The hook in the song keeps you dancing, even if it's in your chair with headphones on. The production of the song is of high quality and is well worth radio airplay. This reviewer, if she had the connections, would be sure that this band was on every radio station in the states! Arctic is far from cold... they are one HOT band with lots to give the world! REVIEWED BY: Becca aka BMuse (Gods of Music) At first glance, Arctic looks like the next No Doubt or Bif Naked to hit the scene-a foursome of glamorous people comprised of three fun-loving guys headed by a street-smart and chic gal. But after just one listen to their latest self-titled album, this Australian powerhouse fusion of rock and pop is not a carbon copy of anything that's already been done. Thank God. Vocalist Kate Leduc, guitarist Fred Leduc, bassist Graeme Kent and drummer Anthony Scaffidi have molded a sound that is delightful, soulful and dripping with emotion. From the track "Clear Skies" with its message of perseverance and survival (I'm the one with the control/ I won't bury myself no more/ Just have faith in what is real/ Start the fight with how I feel) to the moving ballad "Incomplete Without You" Arctic is a band to be reckoned with. I think what I like the most about this band is Leduc's voice. Sultry, smoky, passionate-I hear it as a mix of Shania Twain meets Dido meets Susanna Hoffs. At one moment her voice has almost a country twang to it, such as in the album's first track "Blue Eyes," and then suddenly goes to pop diva later on in the album with "Imagination" (which, by the way, is without a doubt the best track on Arctic) and moves right on to sultry rocker on "Be All My Only." Although all this jumping around might sound like it would be bad thing, Leduc is very in tune with what her voice can and can't do and she makes no bones about it by trying to sing something out of her range. The girl's got skills and brains to boot. All in all, Arctic is one band from down under that needs to be watched and listened to. Their music is genuine, as is the emotions it portrays. As they say on their website, "Arctic believes in keeping it real." Well, it's about time someone did. Got a comment for the reviewer? Contact them at staff@fmsound.org. REVIEWED BY: by C.E. Pelc @ http://www.fmsound.org/IndieScene/NewReviews/Arctic/Arctic.html A lot has been said in the past about major labels signing artists and then wringing out all the spirit that made them a worthy catch in the first lace. But you know allot also got to be said for a major labels ability to nurture raw talent into a confident identity ready to take on a fickle industry. It could almost be seen as akin to a gallery owner guiding a burgeoning painter with tips on frame, hanging the work and pricing (oh all right, that might be stretching it a bit but you get the point). Arctic are made for major label handling. Theirs a triple M friendly rock sound (although it is Nova 100 playlisting them) that will find them a few favors in the world of big indie sales but will have difficulty garnering the attention attention of the masses without big buck support behind them. Its all about the pub chick vocals (follow the line through Sharon O'Neil and Lisa Edward's to the Superjesus) and the polished guitar work (these guys are muso's muso's, their 'thank you' credits on the sleeve reads more like a music shop inventory). They can rock straight down the line as with the Heartesque Clear Skies or they can get whimsical enough to warrant inclusion on the Dawson's Creek soundtrack (One More Night). But best here is the singalong simplicity of Blue Eyes, Extolling the virtues of watching a child grow up (alert to labels here - this has a touch of the Casey Chambers about it). And impressive too is Arctic's willingness to embrace other genres, Imagination is a modern R&B pop ditty awaiting a more subtle production. JUST A TIP OF THE ICEBERG? Reviewed By Robert Perpen @ INPRESS MAGAZINE ARCTIC - (SELF TITLED) A 4 piece based in Victoria, Arctic have a very polished sound & some very polished songs to go with them that ought to be sitting fairly well up the charts, but the nature of the music industry doesn't seem to lend itself to many of the very good bands making it quite that far without years of hard work. With some very fresh material, the sound & style here reminds me little of a cross between maybe Killing Heidi & perhaps The Superjesus, though with a definite identity of their own. The production & performances here are excellent & there are quite a few tracks that really stand out, like my favourite "Everytime People Stare", "Imagination", which is my favourite & "Tomorrow". I don't think it'll be too long & we'll be seeing a whole lot more of Arctic. For more information, write to PO Box 285, Craigieburn, VIC 3064, Australia or deluc@access.net.au Reviewed by Terry @ Heard Online http://members.ozemail.com.au/~hmag/demo1.html Band from Down Under seeks listeners for great album! The Women who rock revolution continues with this outstanding album from this great Australian band. The album is full of good grooves and great vocals. Doesn't lean too far to either the pop or rock side - finds a really nice place in between bringing together the best of both worlds. And unlike some of the female fronted bands you might hear on the radio these songs have good lyrics as well. This band is ready to break out of Australia and hopefully they will find an audience in the good old US of A - they deserve it! If you like Killing Heidi (another great Australian female fronted band) you'll like Arctic! Reviewer: Ira..... DRUM Scene THE DRUMMER'S MAGAZINE ISSUE 29 MAY/JUN/JUL 2002 ARCTIC (SELF TITLED) FETAURED DRUMMER: ANTHONY SCAFF Arctic are a four piece rock pop group originating from Melbourne. Their cd (self titled) is the band's first full length offering and features some of the country's most experienced players. The line up, Kate Leduc (vocals), Fred Leduc (guitar) the key writers, are aided by Anthony Scaff (drums) and Graeme Kent (bass) who complete the talented line up. Arctic's sound is essentially that of a guitar pop rock band. Aiming at the adult contemporary market, the focal point is the female vocal of Leduc who manages to sound a touch like every contemporary female singer you've ever heard (kind of ironic that considering she was told she couldn't sing). Leduc cleverly creates her own niche to give the band its identifiable sound. Anthony who's been playing since the age of seven, plays through the tunes with unselfish pop sensibility ala Paul Berryman (Superjesus) and the band over all sounds like a well oiled machine. Songs range from the straight ahead rock pop of "Every time people stare" to the more somber and brooding "Incomplete without you" (sounding dangerously close to a show tune) and the more dance orientated "Imagination" which sonically is the most diverse track on the cd. Arctic will be performing locally before a possible European tour. More information can be found at www.arcticband.com.au <http://www.arcticband.com.au> Definitely worth a look and listen… Robi Parolin CD REVIEW: Arctic - self-titled By Eliot Popkin - 05/23/02 - 10:25 PM EST http://musesmuse.com/columnistsgreylogs/archives/00000201.html Arctic's album begins with the uptempo, engaging "Blue Eyes" in which lead singer Kate wraps around the lyric "A perfect smile, such a perfect child, such a love." It is a simple and enjoyable foray into pop music, and the disc follows through similar territory. Kate has a voice that is so easy to listen to, soft and effervescent like The Coors and dark and brooding like Garbage, depending on the song. Throughout the disc I hear a sound similar to The Coors, where some catchy lyrics are beefed up with some nice, tight rhythms and crunchy guitars. One great thing about this disc is that you really understand what Arctic is trying to do. There's no mystery here, this a bunch of catchy pop songs with some lyrical depth to them. They sound like a complete thought and that's nice to hear. It's nice when someone has a vision and it is presented in such a warm and pleasant context that you can enjoy it with them. One suggestion I would make is to mix up the tempos a bit, I was waiting for a killer ballad and Arctic never slowed down. Have to hand it to them, I'm sure they would throw a great live party. Congratulations on a real pleasing album. Arctic This comes from a Melbourne band that has attracted a good following in live performances in pubs and festivals. They spent some time preparing for this initial long form release and the band has set themselves for a big year. This album makes a good immediate impression. There is the impact of the gorgeous vocals by Kate Leduc, and she is well backed by her three male companions. The opening track, "Blue Eyes" is effectively simple and smooth, in a country-pop mould, and well produced. In listening to the next few tracks, it becomes apparent that there is a confident, accessible sound willing to be embraced by a wide audience. Arctic does cover various styles, so listeners should find the set appealing. There are bouncy pop and soulful R&B elements, with Kate exhibiting the sassiness of a pretty cool pop queen. And I suspect there is much more to offer. A couple of highlights are the passionate vocals on track 11 "I Won't Be There", and the efficient guitar work on track 6 "One More Night". And there is a cool, upbeat, closing track, "Be All my Only". Overall, the bouncy, energetic arrangements, that shows up in the main, gives Arctic some impetus to look ahead with confidence. Hopefully, key people will recognise the potential ahead. http://www.arcticband.com Carmine Pascuzzi ................http://www.mediasearch.com.au/ ARCTIC Arctic (CD)(Own Release) Some bands want to be pop while they are alternative and those personality-crisises can be best solved if you do it like Arctic cos their sound must be the most satisfying compromise a band can find. They are from Melbourne, Australia and on their debutalbum Arctic are doing a sort of Texas-thing in a cross-over suit. It might be clear that Arctic is very dependent on the voices of Kate Leduc who is sounding to me as a sort of untamed version of Sharleen Spiterri from Texas while the music itself is a sort of cross-over thing or if I really may say so, the music No Doubt should be making if they wanted to have my respect (not that they need it….). Everything is very professional done and I have no idea if Arctic mean something in Australia but I'm sure if they'd be from here that they definitely would appear on stages and loved by the public…finding that connection between pop and rock you know REVIEWED BY DIDIER @ http://mitglied.lycos.de/DreamsNeverEnd/original.htm Reviewed by Oz Music Project @ www.ozmusicproject.net/magazine/cdreviews.asp?CD=2454 This self-titled album from Arctic is well put together, working in the fine tradition of well-produced pop with a catchy chorus. Lead by an often Ella Hooper/Tori Amos hyrbid sounding Kate Leduc, there is plenty in the first few tracks especially to please the casual bedroom songbird, with the guitar, drums, backing and lead vocal structure making for a nice set of songs that sound familiar and comfortable. The second half of the album departs from this more, with "Imagination" and "Come 'n' Dance" providing a great opportunity to show the skills of the players a bit more. Finally "I Won't Be There" has a great minor twist, and is one of the strongest tracks on the album on account of its use of space and suspense. Overall this is a good effort, with my only reservation concerning lyrics. Sorry, but I think at times they venture too far into cliché country. That said, this is the type of album that commercial radio would love, which is never really a bad thing. After all, what's the point of making a record if you can't get it to as many people as possible? AMG EXPERT REVIEW: Starting off with a song that is equal parts The Corrs as it is Billie Myers singing Kiss The Rain, Arctic know how to create an infectious and danceable groove. Blue Eyes is instantly likeable since it has enough subtle twists and turns during the chorus. Ending the tune a cappella is another strong point. Clear Skies features Kate Leduc's above average vocals but the song tends to be a bit too formulaic. Its guitar is also kept well in the distance, something it could use a bit more of during the chorus. When the group opt for a funkier and layered sound on Everytime People Stare, everything seems to click. The balance between vocals, guitar and Fred Leduc's programming gives it a slightly Garbage quality to it. Arctic know how to create pop rock music in the vein of Inxs with catchy rhythms and arrangements. When the slow love ballad Incomplete Without You sounds somewhat bland and might fit better near the album's end. Unfortunately this is followed by another down-tempo track, Court Jester, that showcases Leduc's range but little else. It's a soulful approach but sounds too forced to be credible. It picks up slightly in its tempo but isn't enough to be memorable. It's a tune Annie Lennox would perform in her sleep. One More Night returns to Arctic's strengths, a melodic and tight pop rock sound much like The Corrs. Come 'n' Dance has more of a murky and moody quality to it in the style of Sass Jordan. And despite the title, it's probably one of the least danceable songs on the record. Tomorrow has a softer rock quality to it but works surprisingly well. It's also one of the few tunes Leduc seems to carry all by herself. My Momma Said has a promising beginning, but works much better when the tempo is doubled, which it does during the chorus portions. Ending on another high point during Be All My Only, which resembles Shirley Manson in certain spots. It's a perfect blend of new wave keyboards sitting under a beautiful rhythm section. While you may think of the cold when Arctic is mentioned, this disc does a great job of warming you up. - Jason MacNeil http://www.allmusic.com/ Australian Musician issue 31 Spring 2002 XPOSED Independent CD releases by Adrian Pertout Melbourne four - piece rock/pop outfit Arctic highlights the talents of vocalist Kate Leduc, guitarist/vocalist/programmer Fred Leduc, bassist Graham Kent and drummer Anthony Scaffidi. Their self-titled debut was produced by Fred Leduc at The Shed Studio, with John Castle providing assistance in the engineering and mixing departments. 'Blue Eyes' is the first offering and enters the sonic life stream with characteristically smooth radio friendly hooks, a rock guitar solo (the lead guitarist is back!) and richly harmonized sing-along choruses. The country edge of 'Clear Skies' then keeps the guitarist pumping - selling the 'clean country air' message with even more directness, while 'Every Time People Stare' gives the listener a chance to slip on their funky shoes. This is a collection of well crafted songs in a style that's about good' clean fun. "It's based around the rock/pop style with crunchy guitars that add the rock sound" explains Anthony Scaffidi, "and fronted by a female voice adds the pop aspect." He continues, "We used additional musicians for some of the bvs, just to add contrast between the voices. All the material was composed by Fred and Kate Leduc, with each musician in the band adding their flavour as the songs developed." The aim for Arctic was to achieve a quality package with regards to everything from production, performance, and presentation to compositions. "We want to become successful in the industry, so we really work hard to get to where we want to go" he states. "It's our passion and dream, so everything we do is for the music." "We have sent our material to managers at this point and we will be working on labels in a couple of months" says Scaffidi about their promotional output. "We believe that without representation it's that bit harder to approach the labels." Some of their other PR activities include sending out he bands' clip to shows like rage, Channel 31 and Fox Studio as well as being artists of the week on Nova 100 FM. The band is now able to embark on the filming of their second clip which will showcase the tune 'Momma Said' and also plan to tour Sydney later in 2002. "Come March 2003, Arctic will begin recording the next release all in the Arctic studio" he announces. Fred from Arctic has also started a night at the Hardrock (Melb). It's Mondays Original Night, in support of the industry, the musicians and their music- Let's support each other and make this industry healthy once more…" Bewilderment. Reflection. Reconsideration. What has a hold on me? What music am I talking about? It's truly worth your while. I try for a moment to think that 5 years ago at K Records, Tortoise, Roller ball, a hastily independent campaign, are the longest in my existence of pop music critic. This Australian band- are in fact of european descendant, such as Scaffidi,(grandparents from the island of Eolie, Italy), on drums- is put to the test in this band, or fiction or what ever you'd like to call it. Tonnes of visions roam my mind ( virtually, but it's their music, in one way or another, that leaves your ears buzzing for more) of Garbage, No Doubt- it's the voice of the beautiful Kate, in a line up of all male musicians, prompting me to use these names- what's now needed is commercial radio play in appraisal of Arctic. OK, we have some "strong singing style" in the chorus' , almost on the verge of r'n'b' from Kate (mighty powerful voice, not bad at all), a groove through both components, that gleams "alternative" but it's not a lot to escape the cages of radio (no doubt that's Arctics main target).Well, l the end result; I'll go back to basics - it's like a scene from Chicago, electronically continental; Wallace records… (is it worth your while?) reviewed by Robert Villani http://www.freakout-online.com/index.html Arctic - s/t - (www.arcticband.com) Smarrimento. Riflessione. Riconsiderazione. Di cosa mi occupo ? Che musica ascolto ? Ne vale davvero la pena ? Provo per un attimo a pensare che 5 anni passati ta K records, Tortoise, Rollerball e affolatissima compagnia indipendente siano solo una lunghissima "parentesi" nella mia esistenza fondamentalmente "pop" di ascoltatore di musica. E' questa band australiana - infarcita di discendenti di europei, tra cui tale Scaffidi, nonni dalle isole Eolie, alla batteria - a farmi cimentare in questo giochino, o fiction, o come preferite chiamarlo. Costruisco in mente tonnellate di ascolti (virtuali, ma è musica che in un modo o nell'altro finisce per ronzarci nelle orecchie) di Garbage, No Doubt - è la voce della bella Kate LeDuc, in una line up tutta maschile, a suggerirmi questi nomi - e radio commerciali in genere come parametri per valutare gli Arctic. Ok, abbiamo qualche "maniera forte" nelle sonorità, qualche coro/refrain quasi r'n'b di Kate (voce potente, mica male…), un incastro tra le due componenti che apre qualche timido spiraglio "alternative", ma è poco per sfuggire alle gabbie dorate del pop radiofonico (e dubito che gli Arctic vogliano smentirlo come loro target). Bè, fine del giochino. Ritorno alle cose di sempre: scena di Chicago, elettronica continentale, Wallace records… (ma ne vale la pena ?). Roberto Villani Reviewed by ; Kevin Mathews http://powerofpop.tripod.com/reviewed_dec_02.htm Arctic (Self-released) Yet another contribution to the rock and pop world from the land down under. Arctic has the image down pat - three funky guys and an appealing frontwoman (No Doubt anyone?) - but more than that Arctic has the appropriate material to gate-crash that very same rock and pop world during a time where juvenile pap seems to have run its course. Well-crafted and competent, certainly enough on view to merit a peek. Reviewed by: UGA,, http://www.u-g-a.com/Arctic/main.htm The Arcticband is without doubt, one of the most underrated sleeping giants of the independent movement that exist. The exquisite & phenomenal super hit "Be All My Only" is the most clear stated pure perfection of rock power-pop; A gleaming fantastic monster from this Super-Star in the making Australian band Have a good look at Arcticband at this stage of their careers, before the sheer energy of talent propels them to heretofore unknown heights of media adoration. Do we hyperbole, no indeed not. Just listen to "Be all My Only" & those of doubt will be won over forever We could easily spend our entire review flaunting the extreme majesty of this single in itself. This type of song is the kind of tune that United Global Artists is always looking for like a prayer Articband based alone on this one cut are to many an estimation, one of the best things that we have ever heard. Just wake up. This song is like a prayer to those of us who fathom the power & majesty of an act like Arcticband; In their blatant ability to pull all of the production & compositional stops that warrant an over the edge of the precipice regard for their musical vision The amalgamation of a solid fluid rhythm section augmented by superb chromatic changes of guitars & synthesizers is a wonder-send, to those of us hungry for some real substance & futuristic stance in the world of post modern popular music Kate Leduc's vocal abilities, stylistic range & nuance are of dreams made. Her effortless abilities of lyrical subterfuge & power, without over-expounding are the rare instance for a vocal & image generating chanteuse that she is. Fred Leducs's guitar & compositional underpinnings are a mark of open suspended electric conscience genius. Coupled with the on the moment punctuation & insight of Anthony Scaff, it becomes overtly apparent that Arcticband incorporate a plethora of talent within their ranks. To ice the cake, Graeme Kent is as fine a bassist that one could imagine; Articband hum a nuance of sonic-altruism that is a true experience that is profound in its audio scope What are we really saying ? This Australian band is utterly great. They deserve every accolade that the international media has the insight to provide Cuts such as "Blue Eyes" show with it's acoustic guitar overtones & subtle valentine melancholy, that Arcticband simply exhibit an extremely high concept & deliverance of songwriting, production & intent upon every cut that they shine forth onto the uninitiated "Imagination" is what Arcticband process & possess, more than most acts. This funk-rock cut drips like candle wax with allurement & sauve.It is intrinsic to their down to earth attitude & working ethos. When you see a band as good as this, not achieving the due recognition that is so deserving; One then starts to contemplate how gifted & talented bands with pure-smarts in craft & artistic integrity do not immediately rise to the top of the heat of the best Indie bands out there. But of course, we'll not get into politics at this time Arcticband are not only Australian Superstars in the making; They are world musical giants. Judging from their keen ability to produce their wares, There is no stopping this band except for themselves. Words cannot really convey how good this band is in our estimate. Just listen to the music & the mood of Arcticband & you will for not one moment be disappointed by their stunning pop sensibilities