Showing posts with label Mazzy Star. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mazzy Star. Show all posts

Thursday 14 June 2018

Mazzy Star "Still" (2018)


I have mixed feelings about this record. After a fifteen year gap I was dead excited to get my hands on this new Mazzy Star record, however whats new about it is a little bit fuzzy. Consisting of just four tracks we have an alternate take to the noisy and psychedelic trip So Tonight That I Might See, admittedly the texture and mix of this performance is far more dynamic and engrossing. The first two tracks have been performed live for many years which leaves us with the title track Still, just two minutes of new material that doesn't make much of an impact alongside these other songs. I haven't read up on the status of the group, I am hoping this short EP is just a warm up for a record, getting back into the swing of things and letting fans known things are happening but I'm not hopeful.

Nothing about these four songs is out of the ordinary, the Californian group revive their breezy, soothing sound once again. Channeled through the quiet, soft and beautiful voice of Hope Sandoval the accompanying muted instrumentation plays with a cushioned grace, strumming gentle chords quietly and softly tapping of the keys of a piano, you may not even notice the drummer if it wasn't for the snare which pops in on time cautiously. It gets exciting when the final track rolls in, mustering moments of distortion guitar madness over its thick and foggy organ gloom, Hope whispering murmurs into the background, we have heard it before but it is far more absorbing in this re-recording. Although I love their sound this felt far to similar to just spinning an old record of theirs, hearing whats been heard before.

Rating: 3/10

Friday 7 August 2015

Mazzy Star "Among My Swan" (1996)


 Its been an absolute pleasure to enjoy this record which instantly grabbed my attention, singer Hope Sandoval's sleepy, dream like vocals washed over the hazy distortion and entrancing acoustic guitars to create a sound that felt right at home, yet new to me. Mazzy Star are an American band whos music is composed by the core duo of Hope's vocals and guitarist David Roback. The band released three albums in the nineties before a hiatus that left 17 years between this record and their 2013 release "Seasons Of Your Day". Their sound and style is distinctively blurry between Alternative Rock and Dream Pop with a subtle touch of Country too. 

This record struck me with a vivid image of simple life, maybe on a farm or working the land but with a deep respect for life. The mood and tone balances both beauty and sorrow on a mortal hinge that could be felt in either direction as a sombre undercurrent drifts through Hope's soft, sleepy words. In the distance hazy distortions play out ambiguous riffs as radiant acoustic tones strum out colorful melodies that dance around Hope's voice. On the first tracks bells feature in a slightly discordant manor, their presence is spellbinding and the additional instruments that pop up throughout the album add new dimensions, the harmonica in particular conveying that simplistic, yet emotional depth the music has.

 Across the twelve tracks theirs a mix of tones, moods and intensities to be found. The percussion sometimes fully involved with a light kit, occasionally a tambourine keeping pace, something I haven't heard in some time. The group get psychedelic on "Umbilical", a chilling slow drone with a haunting organ building atmospheric intensity from the guitar and drums. The distant, hazy distortion guitar brings the most unique flavor to their sound, but on every track if its present or not they play out truly charming, engulfing songs that wash over with a touch of tranquility. Bewitched by Hope's voice and the humble emotion the instruments serenade I find myself hooked on this record and the peace it brings.

Favorite Songs: Disappear, Take Everything, Ive Been Let Down, Roseblood, Happy, Umbilical
Rating: 7/10