Location:
USA, NY

Category:
Pop / Singer/Songwriter

Try if you like:
Josh Rouse, Robyn Hitchcock, Squeeze, Xtc

Cantinero is the alias of one Chris Hicken who calls New York home. He had an album out in 2004 called Championship Boxing to critical acclaim and actually making the Amazon Top 40 at one point. Better For The Metaphor is the follow-up album and my first exposure to Cantinero. His music is so mature and developed for an artist only two albums into his career. When the first track, "My House", crosses the speakers you can tell that this isn't just some Mickey Mouse project. Chris has a wonderful voice that rivals that of Andy Partridge. The production of Better For The Metaphor is impeccable as well. I can't think of anything I would change.

Even the mellower songs like 'Medicated' are hypnotically produced. Or the achingly beautiful "Sometimes" is begging for a movie placement. But the brilliance of Cantinero comes out on songs like "Lights Went Out". It seems basic with the piano backing but he manages to get some futuristic sounding percussion in with some strings; simply gorgeous. For pop value I give the final track "Stay In Bed" full points. Absolutely loved it!

Looking for some great new singer/songwriter but not too traditional? Then look no further than Cantinero. I have a feeling Better For The Metaphor will impress a lot of people who like genuine songwriters.