Customer Reviews

Azure Ray

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Eloquent, Evocative, Elegaic, simply Exquisite-these two gifted artists make music most human. At turns lush but spare, layered but lyrical, world weary but hopeful, the full spectrum of human emotions is laid bare for all to contemplate, enjoy, revel in or dismiss but impossible to ignore! The opening track 'Sleep' may be the greatest song ever composed. Ironic that a song that is very nearly a lullaby is about difficulty sleeping due to loneliness. Each track is a gem on its own but still manages to share a melodic commonality with the preceding tracks. The voices of these women are pure as peeling bells with the warmth of experience able to convey the most abstract of feelings in a most palpable musical manner.

Azure Ray's music came to me via a friend, and to him I am forever grateful. The day after listening to it I had to run out and find the last copy at a local store. The lovely duet from Georgia has created a wonderful aural journey through different strata of humanity. Their lyrical melodies pull you through their own journey, quiet, reassuring, tempting... It is not out of line to compare them to the Sirens of the Odyssey, tempting people into Azure Ray's own world.

This music is haunting, and bears a certain mindset to listen to, but it a must to any collection. It is the perfect CD for a rainy day, curl up with a book, or just stare out into space to and contemplate... whatever it is you desire. My personal favorite is For No One. The acoustic guitar matches their thin vocals so perfectly, and this song has haunted me far beyond my first listening of it. Overall, the album is palpable, for lack of a better term, and the raw emotions of their music make this truly unforgettable music.

While clearly being a quiet soft album, there is something erie about it too. Perhaps it's the slow, creepy melodies. Or the half-whispering vocals. Regardless, this album is a pleasure to listen to.

While reminaing quiet through-out the full 39 minutes of the CD, the mood is able to change slightly from on song to the next. The mood begins with a kind of film scored sounding almost melon colly track Sleep. Then before you know it the second track, Displaced comes in, and does just that - displaces you. A single acoustic guitar begins; a style completely different from before. The mood is a very lonesome one. It builds up, but keeps you feeling that solitude.

This is the pattern of the whole CD. It is as if Azure Ray is taking you on a tour, soley of thier dark inner thoughts and memories. Taking detours around any type of happy feeling they may have. But the music doesn't make you sad. There is something in thier quiet gental vocals that let you know it will all be ok. Like they are nuturing you through out thier dark, lonesome world.

I have to make sure I make a personal note about the track Rise. It's one of my favorates, and I'm still contemplating why. Maybe the non-stop strumming of a single harmony on the guitar that becomes almost an addiction. Or it's smoething in thier voices.

I defintely reccoment this CD for a quiet night alone. It's not a "mood music" CD if you have a date over, and it is CERTAINLY not a party CD. But if you are looking for some quiet time alone to reflect or sit by a fire, or just to space out, or fall asleep too, this will do it. I am sure you will be pleased.

The two girls that are Azure Ray are wonderful musicians (guitar as well as other instruments), have lovely haunting voices and excellent production values. They have created an album that is essential for any fan of My Bloody Valentine, Mazzy Star, Durutti Column, Lush, Portishead, Supercollider, and/or Peter Jefferies. Track 10 "For No One" and Track 3, which features an optigon (sp?) are my favorites. I'm going to run out and buy the other two recordings by Azure Ray right now...this album is that good.

As a fan of indie rock magician Ben Gibbard and his Sub Pop side project The Postal Service, I was amazed at the sound of this mellow, soporific harmony. This female duet has a keen ear for the light, orchestral sounds that normally comprise a lo-fi masterpiece. "Don't make a Sound", the standout track, produces a depressing tone suitable for those unable to find their way out of bed. This is truly a soft, indie pop gem, deserving of an intellectual following.

I must say I admire these women greatly - they have a bright future with their gifted sense of harmony and musical prowess.

If you wonder why you continue to get up every morning and live your life, this album is for you.

I purchased this CD on the strength of hearing the song "Displaced"... The song had an atmospheric quiet about it that was at once soothing and provocative.

***This album is not a big studio production so it retains its quaint beauty. In addition to "Displaced," other tracks like "Rise" and "Sleep" are just as languid and luminous. Lyrically, the songs can be ponderous, but the moodiness is satisfying and not oppressive. The later tracks tend to meander and detract from the overall success of the album. However, if you're a fan of the duo Over the Rhine, you'll be pleased with Azure Ray as well.

Orenda and Maria show incredible songwriting ability and amazing depth in this very sad and very addictive album. They also show off their versitility quite well, as it's so different from Little Red Rocket in style. Buy this album. You will not regret it.

Great vocals and music! I like to have this as background music in my house and car.

I bought this CD for ONE song. It turns out I loved the entire CD. Highly Recommended!!

This cd is at once mournful and optimistic, and after several listens you will be hooked. I 've seen them live several times and am constantly impressed and surprised...and yes, as another reviewer stated, Orenda is a goddess!