REVIEW : Vacancy - Billboard

by Larry Flick

Arthur has developed quite nicely since his first album, 1997's "Big City Secrets."

This new seven-song EP, which previews a full-length set due this fall, shows an innate ability to craft taut, infectious melodies while weaving intense, probing lyrics. 

Interestingly, Arthur doesn't opt to couch his material in the pristine production that would guarantee a full-throttle crossover. Instead, he slaps mud all over his arrangements, keeping the songs raw and sounding like they were recorded in a garage. 

It's a creative move that will delight college radio folks and altera-rock purists, who will gobble up this album. It will be interesting to watch where this set takes Arthur, and to see if he'll concoct a way to draw the masses without compromising his integrity.