What if Charlie’s Angels could sing? The answer to that question is Ripe, a hot East Village based band performing at various venues in NYC.

Songwriters Christa McNamee and Dan Bar Hava first joined forces in November of 1999. Those early collaborations grew into an eight-piece band. Christa’s vocal styling have been compared to a Cranberries/Paula Cole/Dido mix. Dan dubs the music "progressive pop," citing influences such as Moby and Enigma.

This time we take a look at Ripe, a band from New York City. I received their press packet in the mail. When I opened I found many reviews, pictures and a 3-song demo disk. If anyone has taken a look at the pictures of Ripe you might have noticed a trio of pretty ladies. The lead singer Christa McNamee, Leia Thompson, and Jessica Grant are the background vocalists. A 5 guy band to round out the group.

I started listening to the demo disk on a portable player with good headphones. I think I listened to it about 4 or 5 times and I have to admit that I was surprised at what I heard. I was expecting an overly done pop, cookie cutter song demo. I was impressed with the quality of the recording and I was also surprised, in the fact that this band had a style all its own. I took the disk and then put it in my home stereo system, that's when I realized I had jumped the gun on this band, Christa McNamee's vocals were front and center. The sounds that were coming from the speakers imaged great.

The first song on the disk "Lets Fall in Love" had a almost 80's feel. It brought back to me the flavor of a jazzy Cuban dance mix, but with the drive of today. The acoustic guitar work of Seth Himmelhoch comes through the rhythm of the song.

The rest of the guys, Dan Bar Hava Keys, Dave Keen, Bass and Violin, Mattan Klien, Flute, yes flute, Rich Zukor Drums, are a strong backdrop for the ladies vocals. The other 2 songs on the disk, "I believe", a possible radio favorite, and "Don't Go Back" , a sultry soft song, with good harmonies, lots of feel and a good beat.

Ripe is band with drive and a sexy feel. If they can keep it together you might see them coming to a venue near you.