| THE PRESS KIT |
 |
Hi-res
color band photo [jpg] Hi-res b&w band photo [jpg] |
 |
Hi-res "Second Wave" cover art (2004) [jpg] |
 |
Hi-res "Just Wait" cover art (2003) [jpg] |
| CREDITS: | Jeff
Green Photography [Band photo] Chris Bucciarelli Graphics [Album Covers] |
| READ PRESS HERE |
"Honed and polished in all her earlier musical projects, Lafty's signature style—call it finessed aggression—has arrived at a self-assured comfort zone on The Jane Anchor's first full-length, Second Wave (Lark Lane). It's a smart, assertive, emotive reflection of her reborn songwriting courage. Live show staples "Crawl," "Sinner" and "Give Me a Reason" are polished and preserved. Intense new tracks such as the fierce "Skyline" and introspective "Anniversary" rock out, but meticulously. No surprise there; Lafty's a perfectionist."
11/4/2004 - Philly Metro: The Jane Anchor Sails Off With 'Second Wave' CD - by Matt Smith (Go to pg. 11 of this PDF file for full article)
"Second Wave the debut full-length from The Jane Anchor is one of the finest CDs released by a Philly band this year."
"Like the justly beloved Just Wait EP, Second Wave is a jumpy, infectious showing from Kara Lafty (ex-Moped and Sonny Sixkiller) and bandmates (each one also a member of Ike), all sinew and smiles sewn neatly into soaring jangle-pop." -- Doug Wallen, Philadelphia Weekly
"On this new record TJA crashes over you in a wash of sound - crisp and taut, but full and warm at the same time. The songs are richer and deeper than anything they've done before, and the overall effect is one of great promise starting to be realized." -- Jim McGuinn, Program Director, Y-100 (WPLY 100.3, Philadelphia)
"The Jane Anchor is the latest vehicle for indie songstress/guitarist Kara Lafty (formerly of Moped & Sonny Sixkiller), and her new group gells seamlessly with plenty of pop melodies dancing over dissonant chords. The tunes are crafty and catchy, but they don't let the sweetness take over--the big guitars and driving drums make sure of that. This one deserves to be turned up loud." -- Mish Mash Indie Music Reviews (December 2004)
"Philadelphia is known for the Eagles, the Liberty Bell, the Rocky steps, and cheese steaks. Usher in The Jane Anchor and they might just be known for something new and refreshing in the indie rock world as well. If you could imagine if Kelley Deal led the Pixies instead of Frank Black than you might have caught onto the surf of “Second Wave”. Kara Lafty leads the band with her crooning and guitar play and is aptly backed up with a band that knows how to rock out to even the most sublime of tunes." -- Smother.Net
"Combining jagged riffs and angular changes with a sound stripped down to the chassis, Lafty crafts her own brand of ringing hooks and body-jerking backbeats. But it's not just about the breathless, exhilarating sound of this band that makes them a great listen, as Lafty has a way with clever lyrics, which are by turns incisive and inspired. Her dulcet-voiced delivery catches you in its sway, conveying a sense of vulnerability and lovelorn despair." -- Amplifier Magazine
"TJA zeroed in on its sound and emerged with a solid set of glowing tunes, all appearing on the EP Just Wait. -- Philadelphia Weekly
"Guitarist/vocalist Kara Lafty, makes speedy, Windex-bright pop...She's got a knack for crafting beguiling, invigorating rock." -- CMJ New Music Report
"Vocalist Kara Lafty's singing ranges from ironic confession to high drama. The right-on abilities of the band builds up riffs that make each tune refreshing, if not a little intoxicating. Layers and layers of sparkling guitar chords rain down during the catchiest parts of these songs, making them even more intense. Brief, almost bluesy leads, work to accent the overall bravado of the record. What sets the songwriting prowess of Ms. Lafty apart from the hoards of fakers and pretenders is her overwhelming love of the almighty guitar and the pure dynamics of a tight rock band. Her imagination, emotions and the looming visage of a distortion pedal meet in a lovely union that makes this CD a winner." -- Pulse of the Twin Cities
"A great song can blow your mind and wrest control of your body. Most bands would be lucky to write one in their career. The Jane Anchor have two on their four-song Just Wait EP. "Got It Made" and "Empty Bottle" grab you, pick you up and don’t put you down until long after they’re done." -- Philadelphia City Paper
"There are few people who can consistently put a musical smile on my face, but Kara is one of them; the songs have a tremendous life to them, simple pop melodies full of ringing guitars...I'll definitely be looking forward to Kara's next venture, since she hasn't gone wrong yet." -- Shredding Paper
"Kara has a great voice, writes consistently good songs that are strong both melodically and lyrically. If you like Juliana Hatfield you'll love Kara." -- Shredding Paper
"Very catchy without being cloying or insipid, the production is excellent, giving the album a clear sound, and fixing the vocals out front. This is the music you hear on a good college radio station and wish the DJ would say who it was. There's just not enough time to say enough nice things about this; do me a favor, and some of you go out and buy it." -- The Big Takeover