Steff Koeppen and the Articles – S/T (River Jones Music Label)
Steff Koeppen and her band are natives of Tucson, Arizona, the home of desert rock, or at least the place where the desert meets the rock. To international ears, the local scene is personified by the wasted psychedelic Americana of Howe Gelb and Giant Sand, together with their various and plentiful side projects. Needless to say, Koeppen doesn’t fit neatly into that particular genre compartment.

Her influences, classical and jazz, together with indie-pop and folk, instill a certain urban sophistication to the songs and their presentation, without ever becoming overly slick or polished. If it’s a quick and easy comparison you’re after, then perhaps it’s the mid-80s alt-folk of Edie Brickell and New Bohemians that most readily comes to mind, though Koeppen and her compatriots are earthier and consistently more approachable than the Texas band.

There’s no shortage of standout tracks. Opener, “Acquaintance” with its horns and incessant catchiness provides a perfect launch pad. “Family Tree” brings out their jazzier side and showcases Koeppen’s voice. “This Place” charmingly rolls along, and together with the majority of the material, is tailor-made for daytime play on BBC Radio 2. Overall, an impressive debut, and one cant help but feel that with a bit of luck and support from the right quarters, they could have a hit on their hands.
www.myspace.com/steffandthearticles
Rob F.

STEFF KOEPPEN AND THE ARTICLES – THIS PLACE

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