Wilshire
'New Universe'
On Columbia Records
Grade: B-I was interested in what Wilshire, newly signed to Columbia Records and Sony Music Entertainment, had to offer with their album "New Universe." Although an unfamiliar musical duo to most, Micah and Lori Wilshire made a previous attempt to jump into the folky kind of pop musical genre with Rocketown Records in 1998. What I heard on the new album told me that perhaps they should have learned their lesson. Although Micah and Lori do have fairly competent voices - Lori more so than Micah with her strong, slightly raspy resonance - their lack of substance as well as their routine and manufactured sound makes their album pretty much disposable.

The vocal harmonies are well done and right on target, and the full band with acoustic guitars and even some string music make certain songs a bit fresher than your typical pop product. They also write some of their music. However, the melodies are predictable in their verse and chorus patterns, with a lot of repetition of weak lyrics. On the surface, not too shabby, but any attempt to delve deeper into the music and you will be left empty-handed. It is the overall quality of the music that disappoints.
"Special" has been getting some radio air recently - and compared to other songs on the album - understandably so. With a fairly catchy tune, it is one of the most upbeat songs Wilshire has to offer. The pulsing drums and strong guitars give this one some pep. However, the lyrics are too repetitious for their own good and are missing real significance. Lori croons about the desire to find thrills and extraordinary experiences. Ironically, this song is all but atypical. Although not exactly full of clichs, Wilshire sings the usual themes of pop music and nothing more.

The strongest song is "Remember," which is rich with uplifting vocals and pleasing harmony between Lori and Micah. The initially twanging guitar acoustics blend into a full guitar sound that really satisfies. It is also the most emotionally charged song on the album, which may actually lead you to ponder things about your own life that you might have brushed underneath the bed. "Without You" isn't bad, and the duet between Lori and Micah is rather pretty, although a bit too corny at times. "Fool for You" showcases Micah's gentle vocals and starts off with mellow keyboard music, but erupts into something that sounds like everything else on the album.

"Tonight" is simply irritating in its attempt to be profound and passionate. Lori's voice is a better match for strong, pulsating pop songs rather than this slower, more "emotional" addition to the album. Basically, it is reduced to a whiny attempt at something more that does not quite reach expectations. I'd actually like to hear Lori with an angry, empowering solo that will really reveal the commanding quality of her voice. Perhaps she should even do without Micah for vocal support, since he doesn't offer much.

The fact that Wilshire leans towards the earthy side made me expect strong lyrical content and meaning. This might be an incorrect assumption, but this album needs something special to keep it on its feet, and there isn't much hope for them in this area. Here is where the album really leaves an unpleasant taste in your mouth: Today's pop artists are mainly keen on image rather than actual vocal ability and inspired substance. "New Universe" makes me hungry for value and plain sick of pounding guitars.

If your dish is basic pop, Wilshire's "New Universe" is for you. If you want something more meaningful, then look elsewhere, because what Wilshire has to bring to the table is an incomplete meal.