Our Little Visionary

March 1997

Ever since Dogstar teased us with a taste of its forbidden fruit (or shall I say cheeses?), I've been starving myself waiting for a taste of the main course! I just could not wait any longer - especially since the release date was pushed later and later into the year. I had an overseas friend (Thanks, Sam!) mail me the album. Oh, and I was not disappointed!

Indeed, Quattro Formaggi (Italian for "Four Cheeses") was the perfect appetizer for this entree. Our Little Visionary (OLV) serves up quite a dish filled with a little bit of this and a little bit of that. It reminds me of venturing into a new ethnic restaraunt and trying new exotic foods for the first time. The album serves up a mouthful of soul, courtesy of Bret Domrose's romantic songwriting style. He shares with us insight into complicated relationships that require more than just love in order for them to survive. It sure causes one to look inside one's soul and do some searching.

You can see and hear it from Breathe Tonight to
Forgive - "Everything's alright
I made it through another night
If I forgive today
Will these memories go away."

You can also hear it from the album's titled song,
OLV, - "She says I got a tortured soul
I got soul that she don't know" to

And I Pray - "And I pray that tonight
I am wrong and she is right...
And I pray - I pray to you
You are the saving grace..."

And I must also bring to your attention another favorite - Bleeding Soul.

Domrose's voice softly caressed my heart and caused me to close my eyes to utter sighs. If romantic soul doesn't sit well with your tastebuds, never fear. OLV also serves up an upbeat remake of Badfinger's "No Matter What". Still not finding the right taste? How about something familar? OLV serves up "Honesty Anyway" from its enhanced CD, Quattro Formaggi.

All of the songs have catchy lyrics that linger on long after the song is over. Finding yourself humming a tune here, singing some lines there or even moving your body and bobbing your head is normal. Really, it is. For these contageous acts, not only can we thank Domrose, but we can also thank drummer Rob Mailhouse and bassist Keanu Reeves, too. Together, they create music that you can feel. You end up singing the songs with as much angst and soul as Domrose does (if you're lucky enough to be bless with such a voice).

This three-man band has whipped up quite a dish. Now, the only thing I want to know is this - guys, when's dessert?