Customer Reviews

Apparitions

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

"I would like to dedicate this album to all those who are no longer with us. I believe that sometimes, wandering spirits are the loneliest kind. I hope they eventually find what they're looking for..."

Hungry Lucy was formed in 1998 when War-N Harrison approached Christa Belle and asked her to lend her vocals to "Blue Dress" for a Depeche Mode tribute album. When she agreed to the task, the duo found themselves working so well together that they set out to record the eerie "Bound In Blood", which was then released at mp3.com (supporter of indie music). The track did surprisingly well and was the jump-start of a massive response by new, demanding fans, which eventually led to their first full-length CD: 'Apparitions'.

I suppose (to some) that the theme can be thought of as a bit disturbing, for the soul is said to move and not to linger after the passing of one's life, but the love between Alfred and Lucy is so strong that even death cannot win to keep them apart, which, to me, is beautiful yet ultimately sad for the heart cannot truly find happiness in the soul of one who's lost... So, with that said, I find the music's style to be an interesting companionship to the story because Hungry Lucy is considered "perky goth" with mellow trip-hop grooves set to synthpop/industrial beats when several of the remixes come to play. And while that idea may sound like filler talk to some, many of the remixes are actually better than the originals and only helps in hooking the listener to this melancholy (not cryptic) experience with dark (not sinister) lyrics.

The first Hungry Lucy track I heard was the first track on the disc, "Alfred." It was one of those tracks that grabs your attention immediately and makes you realize that you're hearing something special. I had to get the disc.

My first listen to the entire album left me a little lukewarm - the soft, slower, ethereal songs are positively spellbinding, with rich female vocals, lush instrumentation, and a haunting, somber tone. Some of the other tracks, though, went in a slightly more trip-hop direction. Not quite as jarring as some trip-hop can be, the tracks were still very smooth, but the change in tempo and tone was a bit disorienting.

Subsequent listens have demolished those reservations. As soon as I'd put my expectations aside and approached the album on its own terms instead of mine, I "got it." The versatility of the material will allow for some club play, but the faster tunes are not so terribly at odds with the ethereal tracks that they will bust your mellow groove.

If you're fond of female vocalists / Heavenly Voices style material, and to a lesser extent if you're a trip hop fan, this album is positively a must. "Alfred" alone is worth the entire retail price of the disc and ethereal fans will be hard pressed not to adore this track completely; consider any other tracks appreciated to be an unexpected bonus (and there's plenty to appreciate!)

First of all, I purchased "Apparitions: Revisited," the version of the CD released in Europe, not the exact "Apparitions" CD noted above. They are basically the same CD, except that the "Revisited" version has some slightly different remixes on it (i.e. remixes of "Stretch" "Alfred" and "Grave", etc.).

Not wanting to place this CD into a specific genre, (it crosses many), I will simply tell you who they reminded me of upon my first listen (and subsequently thereafter). The first Hungry Lucy track, "Blame," reminds me of SINGLE GUN THEORY (i.e. the beat, the voice). Christa Belle's voice is similar to that of Jacqui Hunt's: pure heavenly bliss! Christa Belle's voice sounds a little bit more higher-pitched (?) than Jacqui Hunt's voice, though. Hungry Lucy also sounds much "darker" than SGT, as SGT has a "World" sound and uses various voice samples, however, Christa Belle's voice does remind me of Jacqui Hunt's. The CD also reminds me of NO COMMENT, with more of a synthpop twist on things, at times. In fact, the CD contains a remix of "Grave" by NO COMMENT - perhaps one of the best songs on the CD. I can also hear a little DELERIUM in there, as well (i.e. the CDs "Poem" and "Karma"), but I feel Hungry Lucy is far more interesting to listen to. They also sound somewhat like COLLIDE, having a harder edge to it, but again, HL is far more interesting to listen to! Comparisons have also been made to MASSIVE ATTACK - I can hear that, too, as far as some of the beats go, however, you'll be pleased by how original sounding Hungry Lucy is, despite all of these comparisons.

All-in-all, the songs range from upbeat, multi-textured dark trip-hop (and synthpop at times) to slower, "darker," more ethereal sounding tracks. There are two tracks, "Alfred" and "Bed of Flames," containing male vocals, although the CD is 99% female vocals. The last two tracks, "Ode" and "Goodbye" sound somewhat anemic after listening to the previous 13 percussion-ladden tracks, however, they still sound cool and you'll appreciate them for what they are.

This is the type of CD that you appreciate instantly! EVERY song is engaging. It gets inside your head and becomes a part of you the minute it hits your CD player. If you go to their website and check out the story behind the band's name (i.e. how they came up with "Hungry Lucy"), then listen to "Alfred" (carefully noting the lyrics), the song sounds that much more haunting! Don't go on living another minute without buying this CD - it is a must have!

At last, Apparitions has been released, and it has been well worth the wait.

Hungry Lucy is hard to classify. Call 'em trip-pop/perky-goth. Something like that. Perhaps it would be simpler to say they are a female-fronted, melody-driven band with often danceable beats, who, on most tracks, are drawn to the darker side of things. That is "dark" in the beautiful, not morbid, sense of the word.

"Apparitions" does contain a couple of mild disappointments. It ends weakly, with the last two tracks feeling superfluous. Also, the original version of "Bound in Blood" did not make the album. While the Insomnia mix is good, it would have been nice to have the original as well. And finally, the wonderful medieval-yet-dancy track "Watcher" did not make the album. Too bad these two tracks were not brought in to edge out the weak finishers. Ah well.

Mild complaints aside, this is the best indie release anyone is going to find anytime soon. Rush right out any buy it--do anything you can to insure that Hungry Lucy continues to record music! (Also check out War-N's super-sweet project "Fishtank No. 9." More industrial than Hungry Lucy, but great nonetheless.)

Hungry Lucy have such a unique take its truely admirable. This almost trip hop almost darkwave/new wave enigma has some very grand ideas. This album does lack in its production and sounds very "home basement tape" compared to anything with a large lable or heavy production and editing. The rookie feel can slightly dampen the honing to its insight for a charged critic. All that aside there is true and honest beauty to be found in this album. The improvements in quality and production are very well shown in their newest LP "Glo" and is much more professional sounding. While the undeniable lack of genre might not win large attention, those who like thier music raw and from the heart will truely find a significant and well deserved place in thier collection for Hungry Lucy.

Definate highlights in clude the tracks "Blue Dress" (A cover of a song by Martin Gore of Depeche Mode), "Grave" and also "Cover Me".

What drew me to Hungry Lucy was the Massive Attack comparison. What blew me away is that Hungry Lucy is better than Massive Attack. Tracks on Apparitions are most similar to Massive Attack songs like 'Teardrop' with the nice melodies, and great beat. Somehow, though, Hungry Lucy songs are better .... much more emotional, not so repetitive. The vocalist has a very sexy voice also ... which is a plus :). All in all a great album ... I glad I stumbled upon these guys on MP3.com one day ... GREAT, GREAT music!

Lazee

I came across Hungry Lucy while looking for similar artists for another band on CDNOW. I downloaded a few tracks, then decided to purchase the album. I found "Apparitions" to be haunting and beautiful at the same time. Christina's vocals are amazing, and fit this gothic-trip-hop duo perfectly. "Alfred" - the tale of a love who passed away.. just touches me. And "Grave" is just an amazing song, the remix has to be one of my favorites. "Stretch" is beautiful, and I relate so much to the lyrics.. a song about not letting anything hurt you, and you are stronger than you think.... Im eagerly awaiting HL's 2nd album "Glo"... they also do a great cover of Depeche Mode's Blue Dress on this cd, I think its even better than DMs version.. just listen to some of the samples and youll know what I mean..

When I first heard Apparations Mega Mix and thought that it ran with bed of flames, but for a flip of a switch it would of and should of. Tracks are missing from this work of art and whoever assembled the tracks was in too big of a hury. I must say apparations mega mix being their best track, should have been included, but hey I'm just an observer, not an organizer. This work overall has tastes for everyone, with brilliant beat alterations mid song, following musically and vocally to incredible variances without missing a beat. I would recommend this work to anyone who appreciates music and the beauty that revels in the darkside.

I love Hungry Lucy. I love this album. Gorgeous, haunting vocals over rich, atmospheric music. Practically every song is a gem, though I'm not big on the remixes. I much prefer the original versions. "Alfred", "Bed Of Flames", and "Bound In Blood" are especially noteworthy, as well as the accapella "Goodbye" which relys on nothing but Christa Bell's beautiful vocals. As a poet myself, I have a deep appreciation for the haunting lyrics.

Hungry Lucy is a quality CD by any standard of music. Christa Belle is a great singer and her lyrics are intelligent and meaningful. The music is UNIQUE...I cannot put this CD next to any band and compare it because it is totally fresh. WAR-N HARRISON---(FISHTANK#9 and ...OF SKIN AND SALIVA)CHECK THEM OUT TOO! has helped create this masterpiece with musical stylings that are percussive and beautiful without disrupting the beautiful words. You will listen to this CD and wonder why a band of such quality is not on the radio, instead of the prefab outta-sync, and Limp Spears Doggie biscuit. Call your local alternative stations and request this CD.