Album Notes

"HOSTAGE is another captivating effort by one of the treasures of the Tristate music scene. The 10 songs are Mr. Arduser's usual masterful mix of pop melodies,dark lyrics and intriguing folk-rock instrumental textures."
Larry Nager - cincinnati enquirer

"A current member of three critically applauded and active combos(The Bears,Graveblankets and psychodots),a talented multi-instumentalist,busy session and touring musician and productive songwriter,Chris Arduser would seem to have very little time on his hands to do much else. But apparently he did find time to fall in love and record his solo debut full length,HOSTAGE, a strong ten song collection of polished pop and clever songwriting celebrating his newfound romantic captivity.
A powerhouse drummer and accomplished mandolinist,Arduser ably handles all the instrumentation on the disc,including acoustic and electric guitars,bass,piano and organ touches and colorful background vocals. As a producer,Arduser crafts a cohesive sound and taut arrangements that are at times delightful and surprising,but still allow the songs the requisite room to breathe."
Sean Rhiney - cincymusic.com

"Arduser's songs get straight to the punch; melody-driven and loaded with clever lyrics,the Pop power of HOSTAGE should please fans of The Graveblankets and Arduser's contributions to his other bands.Of special note are Arduser's vocals,which come across as strong as anything he's put to tape to date."
Mike Breen - cincinnati citybeat

"Veteran Cincinnati musician and delightfully twisted songwriter Chris Arduser is out with his first solo project,HOSTAGE. It is a solo project in the true sense, with Arduser playing all the instruments and doing all the singing. Arduser calls it "my latest batch of pop nonsense." Indeed,it is full of great pop whimsy,featuring Arduser's delicious insecurities,rampant paranoia and twisted relationship tales."
Rick Bird - cincinnati post