Ortolan - I'll See You There [audio:http://www.soundsfamilyre.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/02-ill-see-you-there.mp3] Ortolan Sounds Familyre (2009) *** Family bands don't make it big like they did in the past, with exceptions, of course, in the canon of Radio Disney musicians that sell out stadium shows and 3D concert movies. The Cottinghams are four sisters from southern New Jersey who, shortly after having learned how to play their instruments, came together to record their self-titled four-song EP under the direction of Sounds Familyre Records founder and producer Daniel Smith, who counts Sufjan Stevens among his roster. The sisters Stephanie (16), Brianna (17), Lara (20) and Jill (22) make the kind of music that brings to mind quiet Jersey suburbs and trips to Coney Island. The songs are deeply melodic and wistful, not far from the pop rock styles of another family band Eisley, who attracted listeners with a similar brand of homegrown craft and songwriting. Although no description of Ortolan can withstand their youthful family background, their music is more than just precious. Stephanie, the youngest, is the writer of the group, and her precocious talents as a lyricist make Ortolan worth considering in the next few years. The music isn't overtly self-conscious, and with songs like "Sand Castles," which begins with a Yann Tiersen-esque flourish from Amélie, one can only hope the sisters don't lose their whimsy anytime soon. *** http://ortolansong.com/ http://www.myspace.com/ortolansong