With its sophomore effort, Plumb portends to reveal an organic modern rock unit in the process of growth and self-definition. The five-piece band fronted by vocalist Tiffany Arbuckle has undergone two personnel changes since its debut, and through that has honed a smoothly crafted pop sound. But candycoatedwaterdrops sounds more like a singer/producer record shaped specifically with contemporary Christian pop tastes in mind rather than a modern rock band honing its own unique sound. Written primarily by Arbuckle and producer Matt Bronleewe, with occasional support from other contributors, the tracks here exploit a Christian point of view, but often fail to share a genuine narrative or, for that matter, make a firm point. Three songs deal with issues around the relationships of singles: "World's Collide," "Stranded" and "Lie Low." Unlike the artists which Arbuckle is often compared to--Alanis Morissette, Jewel and Sarah McLachlan--she fails to share her own story in any intimate detail. Staying personally removed from the subject matter she ends up talking at the problem, not sharing in it. She gets closer with "Damaged," a song about child sexual abuse, and "Solace." The strongest pop hook here is co-written with veteran Wayne Kirkpatrick, marking "God-shaped Hole" as a real hit. But, on the whole, candycoatedwaterdrops fails to connect at a deep artistic or musical level, which even the assistance of the London Symphony Orchestra fails to correct. More heart and earthy grit is called for, less sweetness and substance-less style. Album titles can be prophetic.
Other coverage for this album
HM Magazine #77Reviewed by Amanda NelsonPlumb's new album has a warm and wonderful airy quality. The vocal performance is also top notch. The title song, "Candy Coated Water Drops," is a beautiful song lyrically and musically. A little girl opens the song "Here With Me," by singing "He's Got the Whole World In His Hands." The contrast of the little girl is very effective, because "Here With Me" is one of the more intense songs on the…Exit Zine 1999Reviewed by Joel ThomasI liked Plumb's first (self-titled) album. It had a sound not unlike the band Garbage, and it had enough special effects and synthesized surprises to keep me listening. I saw them on tour with Jars of Clay in early '98, and while I really enjoyed it, I saw a lot of potential for the band to become a really top-notch act. Sure, the debut Plumb was a little forgettable in places, but it left me…The Phantom Tollbooth 1999Reviewed by Michial FarmerPlumb's self-titled 1997 debut record was a wonderful collection of dark alternative anthems, dipped in moody guitars and synthesizers. Unfortunately, their latest effort, candycoatedwaterdrops, could serve as a definition for the term "sophomore slump." The album starts out well enough with the stunning "Late Great Planet Earth," complete with the London Symphony Orchestra's string section…The Phantom Tollbooth 1999Reviewed by Steven S. BaldwinPlumb's second album is more of a slight slide than a certified sophomore slump: a mixed bag of confections where most songs surprise while others are served too sticky sweet, straight from the factory of CCM schlock. Tiffany Arbuckle's indistinct vocals float pleasantly above these tracks, as candycoatedwaterdrops steers further away from Plumb's original brand of eclectic alterna-trip-hop and…Similar sounding releases
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