The Verve Pipe - Freshmen [US #1] (CD)

All Music Guide

A fresh and eclectic new group comes to the forefront of alternative/pop/rock mainstream with the release of their poetic and sincere single "The Freshmen," appearing on their 1997 RCA/ BMG release, Villains. The song is percussive in stature, poetic in lyrical nature, and honest within its storytelling. Through engaging in this tune mostly light and reflective in nature, the listener can truly reminisce back to their days as a freshman, either the new atmosphere of high school or the real world experience of college. Most is gained through exposing oneself the full-length album version, though the first two mixes give the listener an interesting peek at the development of the song. "Ominous Man" is dreamy and ethereal, entailing a dark, crunchy guitar chorus and charming melody arrangement. "Spoonful of Sugar" displays the Verve Pipe's virtuous, though obnoxious and loud, live presence while on tour for their first record.

- Shawn Haney, All Music Guide