The notions of a “chick-rock band” are misrepresented. Most people tend to look down on them because of what they are.
People think because they’re “girls” they can’t play well, or they just sing lovey-dovey songs. As sexist as that sounds, that is how some people think.
The point is music is music. It doesn’t matter if a white female is singing hip-hop. It doesn’t matter if ANY girl is playing rock music. Hell, it doesn’t matter if a black male is singing country; the point is music is music. It’s not a gender or race thing, it’s whether you can sing or play.
Rock is rock, rap is rap, and heavy metal is heavy metal, period.
And girls can rock. There have been girl rock bands since the late ’60s. Joan Jett, Janis Joplin, Jefferson Airplane and recently, No Doubt and Evanescence. Tell me girls can’t rock and I’ll simply look at you and laugh.
With that being said, Gretchen’s In the Mean Time is one of the greatest CD’s I’ve ever heard. No lie. Let me put it to you like this; rarely can you pick up a CD and listen the whole way through without skipping a song. I found myself listening to In the Mean Time without skipping one song. I’m listening to it right now, and this will be my fourth time since Thursday.
Gretchen has a unique sound. In the Mean Time kicks off with their hit single “Fading.” From the start Mia Richards’ lovely voice captures you and doesn’t let go. The guitar sounds, provided by Dave Richards, take on a life all their own. The drums by Stephen Robinson also play a key role as they really do provide the backbone of nearly all the songs. “Breathe” and “In the Mean Time” are hard rock with a semi-fast tempo chorus.
“Zion” has a fast guitar rift in the opening that pulls you into the song. The guitar solo is also one of the coolest, leaving the listener wanting more. The quick solo at the end left me with a smile. “Let it Go” slows it down a bit but keeps with the rock mind set. Mia’s voice, soft and angelic, slows down the song while the guitar and drums still play their hardest. This song works on many levels.
“Don’t Wanna Be” opens up with Mia singing a hip-hop type of tempo with the guitar and drums keeping up and the chorus jumping back into the rock scene. This song was also put together in such a way that it works on many levels. “Know You” has a mellow tune and sounds something out of a Goth Dracula. Very cool sounding.
“Passion” opens up with another fast paced tempo ushered in by the guitar solo. In “Daisy Chain” Mia sounds a little like a younger version of Madonna. “Every Moment” like “Know You” has a slower tempo than most of the songs on the CD. This is the song where you want to bring out your lighter and wave it in the air. It takes you back for a moment and gives you something to think about. Finally, “Lie to Yourself” brings you back to the fast, hard rock scene.
This CD takes you on a rollercoaster of sound and emotion. The lyrics jump out and can tug at your heartstrings. The sounds of the guitar and drums match perfectly with Mia’s voice, and because of that, every song comes together without any problems.
This CD is a must have for everyone. In the Mean Time is perfect from beginning to end. You can buy the CD at www.gretchenland.com.

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