Eleni Mandell

Artificial Fire

2009-05-11

Album with abundant production, in that it's loaded with tracks (15 of them) and features divergent songs in degrees of jazz, funk, blues, rock, pop, and punk. Lots of sounds get released from what's primarily a guitars and drums core, though there are horns or strings on some tracks. Mandell's voice is breathy soft and sweet as she sings languidly, or with ache or even throaty vigor. Lovesick “Don't Let It Happen” (Track #9) is irresistibly catchy, with bluesy guitar and cooing refrain. There are a number of slow burners, including dreamy and sensual “In The Doorway” (Track #10), fuzz of amped blues on “I Love Planet Earth” (Track #13) and the throbbing, jazzy “Two Faces” (Track #14). Great up tempo tracks include the punchy “Little Foot” (Track #8) and growling “Cracked” (Track #15); the final track is a refreshment: even after 14 other tracks, you wish there were more songs with its snarl - a delivery that's quite becoming of Mandell

More reviews tagged #Rock

  • reviewed 08/2009

    SONNY LANDRETH
    LEVEE TOWN {EXPANDED EDITION}

  • reviewed 02/2012

    THE NIKHIL KORULA BAND
    Music of the New Day

  • reviewed 12/1969

    THE RED BUTTON
    She’s About to Cross My Mind

  • reviewed 03/2014

    LONDON GRAMMAR
    If You Wait

  • reviewed 03/2014

    DAWN LANDES
    Bluebird

  • reviewed 08/2010

    VARIOUS
    Cedar Rock Basement Program

Compiled by the WYCE Journalism Club

The opinions expressed in these reviews are those of the individual volunteers that submitted the article and do not necessarily reflect the views of WYCE or GRCMC; nor its staff, donors, or affiliates.