A three-member women's chorus of East European-styled vocals is rousingly accompanied by nervous violin, guitar and Old World folk percussion. Charming Hostess' success is in their effective integration of such traditional approaches, with rock motifs and arty, avant-garde dissonance. This singular union is the result of the amalgamation of a female a cappella trio and most of Oakland, CA's experimental rock project Idiot Flesh. Cello, saxophone, flute, didgeridoo, and extra percussion also show up in these wild but effective pieces. The material is a heady mix of beautifully freakish originals and covers of such things as "Won't You Keep Us Working" (Residents), Jewish-Moroccan wedding songs, and other traditional material from Bulgaria, Jewish Spain, and Alabama. The volatile arrangements and skilled vocal harmonies make Eat a unique and rewarding recording. ~ Thomas Schulte, All Music Guide
Eat is filmed in black-and-white, has no soundtrack, and depicts fellow pop artistRobert Indiana engaged in the process of eating for the entire length of the film. The comestible being consumed is apparently a mushroom. Finally, notice is also taken of a brief appearance made by a cat.
