Holland's Racoon to tour the U.S.

Racoon is gaining momentum worldwide and plans U.S. tour. Here's what the critics are saying:

"Could this be the best Dutch band since Bettie Serveert? Gruppo Sportivo? Herman Brood? (Name your fave here.) High-quality pop that's scarily good at times."- USA TODAY

"Holland's award-winning Racoon plays likeable acoustic-based pop that will appeal to fans of recent Gomez tunes, Squeeze or Crowded House. Singer Bart van der Weide has one of those gentle, yet sturdy pop-perfect voices and the arrangements tread lightly to let the songwriting shine through.The opening track, "Happy Family," is filled with irony over a chipper ditty, while the winning "Love You More" was a No. 1 hit in the Netherlands. Definitely a great band to discover."- MUSIC CONNECTION (8/10)

"Racoon is one of those pleasant surprises that hit me right off the bat. No studio wizardry, Pro Tools, or sampling are used and the music benefits from that. For anyone out there who is looking for good tunes played by a band of musicians (not superficial pop stars), I would recommend picking up Another Day."- MUSIC STREET JOURNAL

"All though the four-member band Racoon is Dutch, they can best be described as a band you'd see performing in an Irish or English pub encouraging sing-a-longs. The group consists of Bart van der Weide on vocals, Dennis Huige on guitar, Stefan de Kroon on bass, and Paul Bukkenson drums. The band mingles folk rock injected with social commentary, with mostly ballad material and story like lyrics. Songs like Brother, Close Your Eyes, Love You More, and Laugh About It are the type of tunes that you would expect to hear in movie soundtracks. The group is extremely unique, and at times reminiscent of U2, and Paul Simon in both song structure and delivery. Give them a listen!"- GUITAR DIGEST & THE OHIO GUITAR SHOW

"Racoon may just be the perfect antidote for our current pop/rock doldrums. Led by Bart van der Weide's warm vocals, the Dutch band delivers a set of 14 unadorned yet instantly accessible acoustic-driven songs on Another Day. Highlights include previous platinum overseas single "Love You More," title track "Another Day" and U.S. lead single "Close Your Eyes." It's no wonder why the band has earned the Dutch government's unprecedented backing. Despite their diverse musical influences, Racoon's sound is refreshingly all their own."- THE CHRONICLE & EAR CANDY

"Racoon is rapturous, with pure acoustic-based pop for now people. The Dutch group follows up their 2001 album, "Here We Go, Stereo," with around of the kind of songs that draw you in and take hold with a combination of tunefulness and warmth, including the sly opening, "HappyFamily," "Love You More," which topped the chart in the Netherlands, "Blow Your Tears," and the self-effacing "Hanging With the Clowns." This release won the Night Live XS Award for Best Album in Holland, and no wonder. Highly recommended especially for fans of Squeeze, Crowded House, The Jayhawks, Golden Smog, The Odds, and more. Between this one and the Red Button above, your pop fix will be fulfilled for quite some time."- BUZZINE

"Comparisons range from Tonic to Bob Dylan, but while incorporating all of these influences, Racoon defines its own sound. "Happy Family" is straight from mid-90s pop, while "Love You More" is reminiscent of 1960s singer/songwriters with a contemporary update. "Got To Get Out" mixes rock guitar riffs with Emerson Hart style vocals, creating a catchy song with depth. "Lose Another Day" explores the effects of drinking, in a melodic, guitar driven tune. Racoon is sure to secure a place in American pop music with Another Day."- THE CELEBRITY CAFE (8.5 / 10)

"Another Day seeks out and nails down a melodic, acoustic folkish pop sound with hushed vocals and a jovial disposition. This intensely neat and tidy album has the muscle to attract the most stout, angry person and within minutes, they too will be tapping their toes in unison. On top of all that they have a few traces of an early 90's alternative vibe but with a European folk mindset. Lyrically, they are cerebral and challenging in a good way, which enhanced the super snappish rhythm section. They just have that addictive sound and the way they blended together the music was extremely impressive."- EAST COAST ROMPER

"This rousting pop quartet is seeking world domination."- ANCHORAGE PRESS

TOUR DATES

All US dates w/ The Lemonheads
November 30, 2007
San Francisco, CA @ Slim's
December 1, 2007
Los Angeles, CA @ Troubadour
December 2, 2007
Anaheim, CA @ House of Blues
December 4, 2007
San Diego, CA @ The Casbah
December 5, 2007
Tucson, AZ @ Club Congress
December 7, 2007
Englewood, CO @ The Gothic Theatre
December 8, 2007
Fort Collins, CO @ Aggie Theatre
December 9, 2007
Kansas City, MO @ The Record Bar
December 10, 2007
Minneapolis, MN @ Varsity Theater
December 11, 2007
Chicago, IL @ Double Door
December 12, 2007
Chicago, IL @ Double Door
December 13, 2007
Maryland Heights, MO @ Harrah's Casino - Voodoo Lounge
December 14, 2007
Cincinnati, OH @ Bogart's
December 15, 2007
Ann Arbor, MI @ Blind Pig
December 17, 2007
Cleveland, OH @ Grog Shop
December 18, 2007
Lancaster, PA @ The Chameleon
December 19, 2007
Washington, DC @ Black Cat
December 20, 2007
Philadelphia, PA @ The Trocadero
December 21, 2007
New York, NY @ Highline Ballroom
December 22, 2007
Cambridge, MA @ Middle East - Downstairs
December 23, 2007
Hoboken, NJ @ Maxwell's