Title: Lustre
Artist: Claire Voyant
Genre: Pop
Release Date: 2nd October 2009
Label: Dependent / Metropolis Records
Album Review
Contrary to the assumption, CLAIRE VOYANT could be a female singer’s name, a label’s press info reveals that it is the name of a formation from Sacramento. The four-piece consisting of Victoria Lloyd, Chris Ross, Benjamin Fargen and Garin Casaleggio refers to a play on words basing on the French term “clairvoyant” which means to have a second sight. If you are proud owner of the stunning long-player `Lustre´, take yourself about 60 minutes, have a pot of tea and snuggle up in a fluffy blanket. Close your eyes and let yourself go while you are listening to the all in all 10 dreamy tracks.
Already the first title track `Lustre´ causes goose bumps caused by the fragile and at the same time clear voice of singer Victoria. The song begins with an ethereal intro reminding me a bit of DEPECHE MODE compositions. The track’s mystical power climaxes in the stunning vocals and yearning powerful chorus gaining strength due to guitars and drums. The second piece `Shine´ is introduced by synth effects again, but it is very different from `Lustre´, as it appears more rhythmic and fitted out with a catchy guitar theme accompanying the more powerful singing. The dreamy `Into Oblivion´ conjures up images of a lullaby, whereas `Another Day (The Subtle Thief of Youth)´ is a timeless mid-tempo Pop gem.
At the beginning, the arrangement of the anthemic `Mercurial´ radiates an optimistic mood coming up with angelic voices and a certain classic flair. Dominated by well-dosed drums, the nymph-like and seductive `Painted Gold´ could be a musical contribution to a David Lynch-movie. Starting with lullaby-appeal, `Lost´ turns into a dark waltz chorus scoring with demanding and sophisticated vocals. `Flicker´ is a smooth Rock song containing several synth gimmicks and a catchy guitar riff. The ninth track `Broadcast´ is rather melancholic and in line with Victoria’s mournful singing. The grand minimalistic finale `Washaway´ provides heavenly tunes nestling to breathtaking vocals.
Wanting for more and fascinated by the thrilling masterpiece, you will be back from the amazing CLAIRE VOYANT world into reality after about one hour. Poetic and heart-warming melodies, incredibly beautiful vocals, brilliant keyboard arrangements and a pinch of guitar rock - this recording is highly recommendable for everyone.
Tracklist
01. Lustre
02. Shine
03. Into Oblivion
04. Another Day (A Subtle Thief of Youth)
05. Mercurial
06. Painted Gold
07. Lost
08. Flicker
09. Broadcast
10. Washaway
Line-up
Victoria Lloyd - vocals
Chris Ross - programming, synths, production
Benjamin Fargen - guitar
Garin Casaleggio - drums
Website
http://www.clairevoyant.com/ / http://www.myspace.com/clairevoyant
Cover-Picture
Rating
Music: 10
Sound: 9
Extras: -
Total: 9.5 / 10
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