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Uzeda has struck upon a nice mixture of drive, determination
and originality that just make this album so thoroughly enjoyable
to listen to. Admittedly, this is another one of those records that
the mass majority won't get, but whatever... 'cus hey, they won't
know what they are missing.
Stella just teems with good vibes and interesting forms, making
it accessible experimental rock. A lot of the sound is due to the
carefree, almost free-verse, expository style of the lead vocalist;
she sounds like a cross between Bjork and Kim Deal from
The Amps, although she attacks the material with a Tom Waits-ian
rancor. In addition, the bass and guitar set up this nice ambiguity;
the bass with its persistent roll - that alone is worth the price
of the album - and the guitar which is diametrically schizophrenic;
all over the map with intricate lines that weave in and out of the
melody, smartly. The drums stay steady and constant, giving a solid
foundation for all the rest, showing constraint and tact.
Production has a lot to deal with, so many variables make it an almost
daunting task, but it works almost seamlessly. My one nit-pick would
be about the level of the vocals; it is too constant, and could have
been used slightly better to accent crucial changes within the songs.
But that is minor compared with the beautiful nature of the bass and
guitar revolving around each other, which is just majestic in its
capture.
While this album is nice to study, it is more attuned to an ambiance
style of listening... namely, having it on in the background as you
do something else. In my mind I picture it being a perfect piece to
have on during a low-key party; colorful enough to fill the space,
subdued enough to be on the periphery, and cool enough to show you
have discrete taste in music.
-bishop
Track listing:
1) What I Meant When I Called Your Name
2) Time Below Zero
3) Camillo
4) Steam, Rain & Other Stuff
5) Wailing
6) This Heat
7) From The Book Of Skies
8) Gold
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