The Indians - Indianism (1993)

The Indians comprised a lead singer from Los Angeles, a drummer from London, and an Italian guitarist. The union yielded a fairly entertaining mix of alternative pop, laced with hip-hop and dance elements on Indianism. The songs range from the sprightly, jangly pop of "Bed of Roses" to the funky "Love" to the anthemic "Look up to the Sky," which incorporates strings and a psychedelic-tinged guitar solo to good effect. While the music is never groundbreaking, everything is melodic and lead singer Angie Bianca gives a pleasant voice to the songs, a bit like a sturdier Natalie Merchant. The ultimate undoing of Indianism is the bland, uneventful, and superficial lyrics ("The Key," "Caught a Rainbow," "Believe"). It's too bad because there are hints of potential, but, instead, Indianism adds up to an album that is fine example of the narrow margin between noteworthy and mediocre.