"Favorites

Carole & Florent Atem
Neos Productions

Tahiti residents Carole and Florent Atem introduced themselves to Hawaii in 1996 with "Southern Cross," a collection of original instrumentals ranging from romantic pop to hard rock. It was one of the most impressive local but non-Hawaiian albums of the year [...]

On this latest album, the brother-and-sister duo not only play almost all the instruments, but sing as well -- and all the songs are pop and rock remakes.

The most interesting arrangements either feature Carole on songs originally sung by men or showcase Florent on guitar. A basic remake of "More Than Words" is perfect for local radio. A cover of Joe Satriani's "Surfing With the Alien" shows that Florent still likes to shred."

John Berger, The Honolulu Star-Bulletin, January 10th, 2003.

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"Henry Kapono CD Review: Favorites by Carole & Florent Atem

Carol & Florent Atem are by far the most talented young artists I know. They are very passionate about their music and it shows on their new CD release, Favorites. For a first time out I am very impressed. The production is very clean and their choice of songs were very well thought out. I had the pleasure of having them perform with me in Hawaii at my place, Kapono's and their live performance blew me and the audience away. The future is their's if they want it and I hope they take it. Congratulations Carol & Florent and keep it coming!...Friends Henry Kapono"

Henry Kapono, August 13th, 2002.

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"Southern Cross: By Florent & Carole Atem

FLORENT Atem plays guitar and bass; sister Carole, acoustic piano and electric keyboards. Add producer Bob St.John on drums and the result is one of the most impressive locally recorded non-Hawaiian instrumental albums of the year.

Florent writes and arranges across a spectrum of styles that extends from romantic soft pop to aggressive hard rock. All the songs here are originals. There are no immediately memorable melodic hooks but the collection as a whole takes on deeper luster with each repeat play.

St. John failed to provide any liner note information about Carole and Florent; she's 13, he's 16 and largely self-taught.

If the Hoku Awards had a category for Non-Hawaiian Instrumentals or Modern Rock, "Southern Cross" would be a favorite to win it next spring."

John Berger, The Honolulu Star-Bulletin, December 16th, 1996.

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