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Like Empire of Sponge, Gavin Baker of Meets Guitar has been waiting some time to step from the shadows of his other bands (Billy Mahonie, Jet Johnson, Glider), and take control of the microphone. Again, it's a delightful example of how expressive and different solo side projects can be. Far from the instrumental emo rock of Billy Mahonie and the smouldering prettiness Jet Johnson, Meets Guitar favours folkish, classical guitar and lyrics about loosing love and empathy over the embers of a log fire. Third track, Felton Lonnin, is the unmistakable sound of Palace Music all over again, right down to the affected country vocals and cute harmonica, but that's by no means a bad thing.

Mia Clarke
June-July 2003

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