The Blake Babies

After breaking up, forming multiple other bands, getting married and going back to school, The Blake Babies are at it again. \nMarch 2001 marks the reunion of one of the primary movers in Boston's college-indie rock scene years ago. After phone calls from drummer Freda Love and a bit of persuasion, vocalist Juliana Hatfield and guitarist John Strohm signed on for one more album. \nRecorded in 10 days at Bloomington's Echo Park Studios, God Bless the Blake Babies witnesses the growth of three kids who got swept up by the scene and the industry. With maturity and a bit of a slower sound, the three pieced together a solid album of 12 tracks. \nAll members contributed to the songwriting this time around, creating a mix of rhythms and styles. Cynicism and truth lend their voices to the album, along with vocals from all three Babies and Evan Dando. Also adding to the writing credits are Ben Lee and Billy Cote.\nNot afraid to express all emotions, The Blake Babies have songs that evoke joy, despair and anger. Peppering the mix are not too heavy rhythms and a still-youthful spirit.\nThe band's alterna pop sound rings from jangly guitars, light rhythms and Hatfield's raspy voice. \n"Until I Almost Died" creates a picture of sweet sonority. Hatfield's innocent sound is used to its peak on track five, with acoustic guitar and sweeping percussive rhythms in the background. \nEnding with the electric- and effects-driven "On," Hatfield sings with a youthful perturbedness. A little lower than the rest of the tracks, The Babies end with Another wasted breath/on everything I said/it's better in a song.\nLet's hope The Blake Babies keep the songs coming.