universe narrows

cd's/reviews

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THE LITTLE MACHINE

WHAT MAKES A WEED?

universe narrows (twelve original songs 2005)

Lenin's Head (five original songs 2003)

June 2007 review by LMNOP babysue


Universe Narrows - What Makes a Weed? (Independently released CD, Pop)

Simple, direct, hummable pop tunes from the father/son duo of JJ and Mark O'Connor. What Makes a Weed? is refreshing in many ways, not the least of which is these guys' ability to write genuine songs with lyrics that most people should be able to relate to. Instead of creating super weird and artsy underground pop, JJ and Mark record pop tunes that are remarkably normal sounding. The songs are presented simply using traditional instruments. You can tell by the sounds on this album that these guys had a good time recording these compositions. Nice, smooth, fluid cuts include "Stickball," "Spinach Green Eyes," "Lost and Found," and "Looking Through a Pane." Sincere, thoughtful, real music. (Rating: 5)

http://www.babysue.com/2007-June-lmnop-previews

Thursday, May 31, 2007

WHAT MAKES A WEED? THE NOISE review May 31, 2007
by Tim Emswiler

UNIVERSE NARROWS
What Makes a Weed?
11-song CD

The fact that this is a father-son duo is irrelevant, aside from the fact that it explains why these two work so well together. I expected a novelty act, and I got one of the best discs of the year. Okay, it starts off as a poppy-happy kind of thing, and that isn't my bag, but then you get "Hole in the Fence," which features some truly tasteful lead guitar work, and which is followed up by "Lost and Found," which shows that Universe Narrows is just as comfortable exploring the (slightly) darker side. "Looking Through a Pane" is a Grant Lee Buffalo kinda thing, and that is far more than I could have asked for from this slab. This takes the "singer/songwriter" thing far beyond its expected constrictions, shows that pa and son have mastered more than one stylistic niche, and makes me listen a second time, and a third time, and ends up with me wishing I could hang with these two while they hit "record" and prove that simple, heartfelt songs are still at the core of this whole music-y kinda thing. (Tim Emswiler)

March 2007

WHAT MAKES A WEED? review by Joe Torra

I've been enjoying the new CD (WHAT MAKES A WEED?) IMMENSELY. (Julia sings What Makes A Wee? along with What Makes A Weed?) The songs are intricate, intimate and warm -- full of the stuff of lives being lived. The music is quirky (as your compositions often are), layered, and at times deceptively simple, but the songs stretch in unpredictable directions. The instrumentation is rich and textured, Mark's delicious guitar work woven around the rhythm and bass.
Soothing vocal harmonies too, really nice on the ears. The album has an organic unity to it. Different as many of the songs are, they correspond with each other and make up the whole. Some rockin' numbers and tender ballads.
"The Hollow" is such a brilliant, beautiful, poetic song. Each time I have listened to it I cry, really cry. I don't know a song that looks mortality in the face any more vividly and poignantly than this. It reminds me of the great ancient Chinese poems. You guys are really doing it!!

There’s nothing cooler than starting a band with your father. Especially when the songs you write together might be best appreciated after the consumption of mind-altering substances. That’s what retired teacher JJ and son Mark O’Connor do as they lead you down a melodically flower-strewn path with their second EP Universe Narrows. With intelligent lyrics that inspire images of tulip fields and friendly gorillas, this pop/folk album is the perfect accompaniment to the advent of summer and the lazy days that come with it.

The soulful chords and tuneful rhythms layer perfectly against JJ’s charming and occasionally doleful voice that speaks to a world of experience. Universe Narrows has a sound reminiscent of Johnny Cash and Tom Petty combined with a melodic gesture that conjures the spirits of the Grateful Dead and perhaps even a little Velvet Underground at times. Gentle strumming and catchy harmony make songs like “Guy” (yes, a song about a gorilla at the zoo) thoroughly endearing and pleasant to listen to, especially while on your porch after a long day of hard work.

The vivid existentialism of their lyrics resonates strongly in the song “In My Mind” where O’Connor says “Don't leave me all alone in this too sane reality/a vision still entrances me /like a skewed notion that you can't replace.” The themes of their collaboration span from whimsical observation to weighty rumination, but overall the album leaves you with a consistently positive appreciation for the beauty of the world around you. Universe Narrows is truly a delightful and uplifting smattering of tunes that brings you back home when it seems that things around you may be falling apart. Enjoy with a shot of something or other.

Reviewed by Simona Supekar

http://www.themusicedge.com

MAY 2006 review THE NOISE rock around boston



UNIVERSE NARROWS
Universe Narrows
12 songs


This father-son duo has produced an impressively gem-studded collection, with some eccentric and often absolutely brilliant songs. I especially like their colorful, light-handed history-and-philosophy drenched lyrics and zoned-out melodic ambiance. They also have a loony, take-no-prisoners credo ala The Holy Modal Rounders, The Loving Spoonful and The Turtles, as on the chewy bubblegum confection “In My Mind,” replete with vocals sung through what seems to be Rudy Vallee’s funnel. And “(A Really Nice) Guy” sounds for all the world like The Kinks circa “Mirror of Love.” (And compare “No Such Thing as Late” and “Big Black Smoke.” And is the riff of “Bottomless Lakes” a tribute to “And Your Bird Can Sing”?) All this is not to imply that they’re mere tribute-rockers—they are fine musicians capable of offering sophisticated variations on a theme—the crypto-syncopated dynamic of “Lightning Bugs” is a musical head-turner, and a classic. And the hits keep right on coming; see “Uranium, Rubies and Gold” and “Pining Yellow Moon.” And who among us has ever heard a song like “Trouble Free Zone”: “Around me there must be an all-enveloping eyeball/ It’s under and over too/ Made entirely of the green sea.” Sleeper of the month.

review by Francis DiMenno THE N

MARCH 17 REVIEW Universe Narrows is a newly formed Boston area band.  Their self titled CD Universe Narrows features Mark O'Connor (recently of Die Electric) and his father JJ O'Connor.  Rock and roll has traditionally fostered generation gaps between parents and children.  Not for Universe Narrows.  In this case father and son dovetail seamlessly and the result is a sound that is retro and fresh at the same time.Mark O'Connor's old band, Ddie Electric, was an edgy rock band--a gritty sound with faint pop undertones. Universe Narrows' sound is clean, the music a synthesis of songs with unexpected chord changes. Mark O'Connor is an exquisite guitar player and he plays here with a delicate hand managing to avoid standardized licks. Acoustic and electric guitars complement each other perfectly.
One delightful aspect of the recording is the vocals. JJ O'Connor has a truly unique voice that sounds like it was aged in an old bourbon cask. The harmonies are scrumptious. Lyrics range from funny and uplifting to dark--often within one song where what seems to be a happy theme has ominous underscoring.
Look for Universe Narrows gigging out a local clubs in the spring. Information about the band and their CD is available at www.universenarrows.com. Check 'em out.


Review by Joe Torra

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