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***Blue States, Memphis Industriesi first signing and mainstay of the label, are back with their fourth album. With First Steps IntoOe Blue States return whence they cameofor all intents and purposes, a one-man band as on the first album, Nothing Changes Under the Sun. Having previously worked with vocalist Tahita on the second album, Man Mountain, and turned into a full-fledged three-piece on the third, The Soundings, Blue States is again the sole work of Andy Dragazis, save for the able assistance of Sam Walker on drums and a string section. Heavily treated vocal duties are shared between Dragazis and Serena Strong. The album was recorded in Dragazisi studio in Whitechapel, scheduled around the next-door mosqueis prayer time, and interrupted frequently by angry Imams. Beginning with iAlliesi and its otherworldly vocal line, First Steps Into... is melodically dense and richly textured. The album draws inspiration from Vangelis, Aphroditeis Child, The Moody Blues, David Axlerod, and Joe Meek, and Dragazis weaves a rare subtlety throughout, climaxing in iLast of Old Englandi which builds from the bells of a Greek Orthodox church to an*string-laden climax replete with Zeppelin drums. Lovely. 30-second MP3 excerpts: Allies
First Steps ... Last Stand
Holding Ground
The Electric Compliment
Gaining Time
100's And 1000's
Look To Your Laurels
Down The Days
Red And Shine
What Can Be Done Right A Wrong
Distant Shores
Writing Home
Last Of Old England |
