In Ink Please & The Foliage - How To Make Better Love
Label: Fall Records
Style: Indie Pop, Shoegazer, Chamber Pop
Released: 2004
My Grade: 3.5 stars
AMG: n/a
Sounds like: Clear, The Cardigans, Velour 100, Royal


I am normally not a big fan of splits, they generally include one semi-talented well known artist slapped together with an up and comer that generally lacks talent and is never heard from again. Luckily our friends at Fall Records don’t like releasing bad music, instead they release an album with two completely unknown and still thoroughly enjoyable bands.

Each band is, in reality, two separate boy/girl duos, each one slightly different and held together only by the similarities of the music they play – indie pop in the veins of Clear or maybe even a softer Cranberries.

When I first saw the album I was in love, with the title, the album cover and even the simple layout put a smile on my face; this is something different, something unique and when I listened to it I prayed it would be something memorable.

In Ink Please starts the album with the quizzically named “AQ75#3” (if someone knows what this means please email me and let me know), a strikingly warm song that quickly puts to rest any fear that this will be a forgettable release. Filled with a simple, yet elegant beauty conveyed by the singer’s strong vocal delivery and a sparse, yet classic, music arraignment.

The best track from In Ink Please, and possibly the best on the album, would be “Baron & Benedict Present” a charming blend of pop musicianship, clever wordplay and a singalong chorus and when the track ends you will more the likely press repeat and listen to it several more times before continuing on.

The Foliage are not as instantly likeable, they follow more along the lines of British shoegazer and early 90s indie pop (with male / female shared vocals); but they display an uncanny ability to turn a droning song into something instantly enjoyable. The command they display over their instruments and songs are amazing, truly showcasing the passion of their work.

Fall Records is truly amazing, they continue to release uncompromising and charming pieces of pop from unknown gems. This album continues in their commitment to integrity and showcasing great new artists. It will be exciting to see what else comes from both these artists, I would highly recommend that you pick up a copy of this split today, and if not today then tomorrow, and if you cannot do it tomorrow then soon; and once you get it you can sit back, and enjoy.

Reviewed by: Samuel Aaron