(January, 2000) LIFT: September EP What a refreshing demo this is as Lift, an all-female alterna-pop trio fronted by singer/songwriter Molly Bancroft, show an immediate gift for pop-rock tunesmithing - not to mention the ability to present those tunes in a clear, and uncluttered way. "Even If," the demo's first cut, is especially fetching and shows Bancroft's low, mellow voice to very good effect. In fact, the backing vocals are equally effective, giving this Decatur, Georgia, group a unanimous vote for A&R consideration. VOTED BEST 20 of YEAR 2000!!!!

STREET BEAT (January 18, 2000) LIFT: September EP This five-song EP feels moody and plaintive, and, aptly like its title, very fall-like. September is somewhat somber and dark, yet with enough power chords, pop, and funk to make this a great pick. The trio of Molly Bancroft (guitars and vocals), Simone Simonton (drums), and Meimi Sato (bass), hail from Georgia, and would seem to be perched on the edge of national recognition. The songwriting is intelligent, the production great (it says in the liner notes that "no one played keyboards," but it sounds like it, so good for them), the playing strong, and the lyrics poetic.

#182 (1999), by Jeff Ebel LIFT: September EP Startingly confessional lyrics reveal MOLLY BANCROFT to be a keenly sensitive artist who leaves nothing of herself behind when approaching her music. Or maybe it's the other way around. "Molly, you gotta always be on stage," she chides herself on the beautifully plaintive "Turn Away." "Mesmerize" finds her agonizing over the uncertainties of a relationship, while "Need to Know" finds her shattered upon learning of the "other woman." "Even If (it is Love)" blends Lift's perceptible Kitchens of Distinction influence with Sarah McLachlan's "Possession." Rolling alterna-pop guitars and gorgeous harmonies beguile and charm throughout the disc, despite the emotionally taxing subjects."

LIFT: September ep Lift has undergone a few transformations since forming in 1992 in Boston, releasing "Walk Away" for Tim Kerr Records with Molly Bancroft on vocals and guitar and the driving, breathing, living drums of Simone Simonton. With David Patterson and Julie Clark (Shawn Mullin) and the ever-present Simone, they released 1995's Stellar CD, then Lifelike in 1997 on Daemon Records, both to critical acclaim. Now, with their latest release, september ep, Lift once again showcases their distinctive brand of music, at once powerful and shimmering, Bancroft's vocals are orchestrally beautiful and emotionally forward. She can speak to your soul while crushing your heart in the same instant. I don't listen to radio much but if this isn't tearing up the charts you guys are missing out on something, I tell you what. Baker 11/28/99.

NOVEMBER 23, 1999 Review by: Christopher Thelen Lift: SEPTEMBER EP Orangestar Records If Lilith Fair proved anything, it's this: Female-led (or all-female) bands are to be taken very seriously. Of course, I've known this for some time; I've long been a fan of such artists like Melissa Etheridge, Indigo Girls, Sarah McLachlan and Liz Phair. While I might not have counted myself among their fans, I could appreciate what people like Meredith Brooks and Shirley Manson of Garbage were accomplishing. But the long-term effects of Lilith Fair are now being felt, as more bands of this ilk are coming forward to be heard; if only some people had taken the time to listen a long while ago. Take the Decatur, Georgia-based trio Lift, for example. Their recent release September EP shows the maturity and musical development that many of the artists who presently enjoy airplay have, only they're still struggling to make a name for themselves. Chances are that's a statistic that's going to change real soon. The group - vocalist/guitarist Molly Bancroft, bassist Meimi Sato and drummer Simone Simonton - have three things going for them right out of the gate. First, they are master songsmiths; there is not a bad track on this mini-album. Second, their harmonies are ethereal, if maybe a tad underutilized. (Then again, maybe that's done on purpose.) Third - and this is the key element for me - this music rocks. The richness of the music on September EP makes it seem like there's more than three people creating the sounds that burst forth from your speakers. From the opening notes of "Even If (It Is Love)," it's evident that Lift is a band that is destined for greatness, based on their songwriting and performance. Similarly, "Let It Out" is a track that, if the right people got their hands on it, screams "top 40 hit" to the heavens. And it's not that Lift pigeonholes themselves as a light-pop band. Songs like "Need To Know" and "Mesmerize" show that the group is willing to take some musical chances to put forth an emotion that takes center stage over the rhythm. Of course, all of that's in vain without good songwriting... and Lift never forgets that, backing up these emotions with powerful tracks. Of course, I think you know what my complaint is going to be right now... that's right, this disc is too damned short. Normally, I'm saying that I can't formulate a fair opinion on a band based on 20 minutes of music. In Lift's case, 20 minutes is just too little music, judging from the quality of the songs that did make it onto this disc. I would have been a happy camper if this had been a full-length disc. Still, September EP is a taste of a band that's going to leave you wanting a lot more than just the teaser. Lift is a band that, if there's any justice in this business, will get their big break very soon... and I'm putting my money on them succeeding. RATING: A-

Nov. l999 LIFT: September EP Lift may be just be the most aptly named band in Atlanta. Make that anywhere. This solid trio of guitarist/ vocalist molly bancroft, drum diva Simone Simonton, and bassist Meimi Sato churn out hard-edged, assured songs that soar so high, everyone's soon flying together on this most magic of carpet rides. That updraft lifts Bancroft, too; when she's reaching for a note, she's up on her toes, all sharpness and intensity, all angles and planes. If she weren't such a firestorm, you might call her adorable. And watching Bancroft and her bandmates slam back down to earth, even as they're doing the same to you, is no less of a treat but "adorable" doesn't begin to cover it - they're too genuinely tough and too downright good. So is their new CD September. With lyrics that turn on adime from melencholic comfort to switchblade sharpness, every song is ridiculously ready for the radio and more. The first cut "Even if (it is love)" is a sparkling standout you'll be singing for days. "Turn Away" too is elegiac and luminous, with a melody that never quite winds up where you expect it to. Consequesently, neither do you - and that's why you won't be able to take September out of your CD player any more than you'll be able to leave the room while these women have the stage. Catch them while you can. -- Regan Kelly

MUSIC MORSELS: CD REVIEWS Lift - September This third CD is a new direction for Lift, as the group led by excellent vocalist Molly Bancroft pares down to a trio. With long time collaborator Simone Simonton on drums and sampling, the electronic textures created are a perfect foil for Molly's lushly intense vocals and celestial but brash guitar work. The songs are soaring in their fervor, with a rock a roll soul and lovely intricacies thrown in to give the listener the whole gamut of emotions. Looks like this new direction is a good one for Lift.

Lift / September EP / Lift (CD) splendid e-zine The latest release from this Georgia three-piece is suitably Autumnal, due largely to some nice shoegazer-style guitar work from vocalist Molly Bancroft. While the five tracks on September should find an appreciative audience among the Lilith crowd, they're a good deal more robust than that festival's staple weedy cartharto-folk. Solid musicianship and production goes a long way here, as do Bancroft's strong, confident vocals -- this is a rock album, not a recorded therapy session. All that's missing here is hooks -- nothing is wrong with these songs, but you probably won't be humming them for days after hearing them. When I listen to September, I hear serious "can't get this song out of my head" potential, and I can see it happening soon. -- gz

Does anybody need a Lift? G.M. Burns While many new bands strive to be heard, Lift uses a fresh and almost brazen approach to its music. Based on uncompromising electric rhythms and a fresh lyric style, Lift's music blends moody and atmospheric melodies, exceeding the boundaries of alternative rock sounds. Lead singer and songwriter Molly Bancroft has formed a band that, over the years, has been designed to reach and push the edge of its music with conviction. Says Bancroft abou tthe band's music, "It is now less contructed and a little more emotionally driven." She goes on to say, "In our concerts, we get people in a mood and kind of take them on a ride, and for songs on our albums (like "Lifelike"), we push the limit of what we can express, by taking more risks, using experimental rhythms, and by saying things more directly. We avoid the usual sound that tends to be played on the radio." For Lift, British bands are a major musical influence -- for example, Kitchens of Distinction and Radio-Head. But while Lift even has their own web site, they are still covering new ground. Says Bancroft, "Our quest is to keep things moving forward, focusing on our music, and having a positive effect for our audiences." After years of paying dues and performing in small clubs, Lift is finally gaining momentum. They recently performed in New York City and are curretnly touring wit the Indigo Girls. With just a little more time, the musical momentum of this diverse and progressive band will lift them to new heights.

Lift...opened the show (for the Indigo Girls) but if you were expecting a folky pack of would-be Indigos, you were in for a shock. With its guitars sounding like Big Country, Lift sounded more like it came from the United Kingdom in the mid-80s, not Georgia in the present....Singer Molly Bancroft belted out timeless melodies like a hard-rock version of Sarah McLachlan.

LIFT LIFELIKE -- [DAEMON] {k} Lift is a (band) that plays melancholic swelling edgy pop with a very McLachlan/Copper/National Velvet familiarity. Yeah. That’s it. This ten track disk is just too delicious. Mellow jaunts full of charming pop melodies...and then those mischievous rants come propelling in at just the right moment. Or a hip beat will gently roll you over those bumpy roads in life. Great musicianship and a voice as comfortable as that old cardigan you wore back in ‘84. I don’t have a favorite track, they all make my head spin. (Okay, I do really really like “In Summertime...” and “I Mean It”) This is already one of my favorite albums of the year, and, so far, is destined to remain on top of my CD player along side The Rosemarys (”Providence”) as one of those timeless albums perfect for any mood of any day.

LIFT/Lifelike Lift picks you up and soars, with immense vocal intensity and pounding bass lines. This had me dancing round the room like a fool. It’s amazing how this CD is good in so many ways. I was very impressed with the cuts “better to be brave” and “wait.” Lots of good music flows off this one. Daemon Records, PO BOX 1207, Atlanta, GA 30031-1207

Singer Molly Bancroft lifts Lift above the ordinary by Jonathan Perry It would be too easy to brush by Lift’s “Lifelike” (Daemon HHHH) while hunting down far more famous fare in your favorite record store. But by all means, don’t let this one get away. Strong, swear-you’ve-heard-it-somewhere-before hooks (you haven’t) and smart, disciplined songwriting make this Atlanta (band’s) second album a major sleeper of 1997. Fresh from its well-received full-length debut, “Stellar,” (Lyric Moon Records), Lift again fuses the unbeatable combination of memorable songs with stellar, poised musicianship that frames singer/songwriter Molly Bancroft’s bracingly bittersweet vocals. Unlike some female vocalists who come across as too girly-girl cute or cloyingly heartfelt in this game (guys have their own stylistic annoyances too, believe me), Bancroft sings with just the right balance of power and restraint. And what comes out is a voice as clear and strong as a church bell ringing on a crisp Sunday morning. Bancroft’s emotionally uncompromising songs are beautifully augmented by ...drummer Simone Simonton who give(s) them dimension, depth, and range. Tracks including the album’s opener, “Let Us Be,” and the heartbreaking yet oddly resolute “Sorry Doesn’t Say” ooze confidence and conviction. Through it all, the band adds telling, heightening detail to the strong brush strokes of Bancroft’s portraits.

Kristi York’s Year In Review 1997 BEST ALBUMS Lift, Lifelike (Daemon Records) I’m not trying to appease the locals by naming this album one of the best of the year. Nor do I hold it to mere regional standards (”This is great _ for an Atlanta band...). Nope, Lift is the real deal, and Lifelike, although released early in the year, was truly one of the best albums of 1997. Lift’s appeal is rooted in the emotive, melodic choruses of leader Molly Bancroft’s personal (but not sappy) songs. Lots of bands have two or three nifty songs, but to fill an album with consistently good material that burns from song to song is a rare feat, one Lift has conquered. In many ways, Lifelike is a standard rock album, but the band’s experimentation with textures, time signatures and tonal colors sets it apart from the pack. To top it all off, seeing Lift’s live show is like reading a great novel, complete with intense plotlines, unexpected twists, and a happy ending. Lift -- Everything a great band should be, Lift backs up the insightful songwriting of Molly Bancroft with sterling musicianship and a strong, confident group stage presence. Their set at the Music Midtown Festival impressed me more than any performance I’ve seen by a young alterna-rock band since I watched U2 at the Agora Ballroom in ‘81. - Gregory Nicoll

Where It’s At This week’s indie plugs go out to Atlanta’s Lift... who falls somewhere between the atmospheric swirl of the Cocteau Twins and the full-on ‘80s rock of Pretenders. Singer/songwriter Molly Bancroft’s passionate vocals resonate like beautiful feedback against the band’s sonic assault. Their sophomore effort, “Lifelike,” (Daemon Records) combines full-on electric warfare with a deep and sultry lyrical punch.

LIFT, Lifelike (CD10): Lift delivers sparse...girl-vocal alternative rock with thoughtful lyrics performed with heart and dynamics. Singer/songwriter Molly Bancroft puts on a good front for the entire unit: she is both convincing and talented. This is one of those bands whose sum is more than the total of its parts, the way it should be. The band seems content to write good songs...and stays away from the superficial anger of many of its contemporaries. “Wait” is a standout. (Daemon Records).