Sugar

Performer: Tonic
Artist: Lenny Castro; Joey Waronker
Engineer: Jeff Powell; Mark Endert
Producer: Tonic; Mark Endert
Distributor: Universal Distribution

Notes: Tonic: Emerson Hart (vocals, acoustic, electric & slide guitars); Jeff Russo acoustic, electric & slide guitars, mandolin, Mellotron, background vocals); Dan Lavery (Fender Rhodes piano, Moog bass pedals, bass, background vocals). Additional personnel: Eve Butler, Gerardo Hilera, Peter Kent, Michele Richards (violin); Matthew Funes, David Stenske (viola); Larry Corbett, Suzie Katayama (cello); Peter Maloney, Joey Waronker (drums); Lenny Castro (percussion). Recorded at Kingsway, New Orleans, Louisiana; Sound City, Los Angeles, California; House Of Blues Studio, Encino, California. An oasis in a desert of souring pop bands--that's the best way to describe Tonic's sophomore release, SUGAR. The trio delivers hooks like a prizefighter, and their balance of tension and melody makes for consistently memorable songs. "Knock Down Walls" is an anthem of love and manipulation, as vocalist/guitarist Emerson Hart sings, "you always grab a hold of the ones you can change/just a group of loner zeroes who will play your game." Tonic's country rock roots shine brightly on the title track, while the emptiness of celebrity worship is played out in "Queen." "Waiting For the Light to Change" is a tender ballad describing the moment where one faces the harsh reality of loneliness. The Beatlesque "Sunflower" has some of Hart's most poetic lyrical moments, such as "when the wind blows I will kiss you like sunshine/stealing pieces from a perfect sky." TONIC effectively uses simple arrangements and incredibly singable melodies, making SUGAR a musical remedy that goes down as sweetly as its name.

Rolling Stone (2/3/00, pp.61-2) - 3 stars out of 5 - "...the most consistently catchy set of modern-rock ditties since the Goo Goo Dolls' DIZZY UP THE GIRL....But it's killer pop melodies and revved-up guitar parts that ultimately set Tonic apart..." Entertainment Weekly (11/19/99, p.150) - "Chiming suburban hooks fluff up a friendly mix of plush...balladry and subtly pepped punk chords, topped with next-door-neighborly vocals....as inviting as the tinkle of a Mister Softee van; the more you try, the sweeter the flavor.." - Rating: B

The late-'90s witnessed a plethora of groups that specialized in mature, pop-friendly alternative rock, namely Goo Goo Dolls, Matchbox 20, and Tonic. Although Tonic didn't rack up a monster hit a la the aforementioned bands, their first two releases, LEMON PARADE and SUGAR, sold impressively and steadily on the strength of several moderate radio/MTV hits.

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