Dizzybloom
has been compared to the Sundays and Fleetwood Mac, but their sound is
all their own. Their newest full length album, Oceans, has just
been released and features the amazing vocals from “Voice” contestant
Amy Whitcomb. The album also features Billy R. Preston (guitar, bass,
producer), Juliet Gamero (piano), Bogie Bowles (drums) and Steven Oakes
(lead guitar). Guest musicians include Courtney Audain (bass) and Wiley
Koepp (drums). Some older material with original songwriter and
vocalist, Stacey Evans is also included in the mix.
The
album is a mix of progressive rock, with elements of a Latin beat,
Flamenco guitar and lots of improvisation. You can find a blend of old
and new, original pieces and cover songs, but each piece has its own
flavor and appeal.
“The
first song on the album is “Oceans” and it pops to life with some very
lively guitar riffs. Amy Whitcomb’s voice flows over you like a crashing
wave bringing life giving sustenance. Gritty, beautiful and infinitely
textural, Whitcomb sucks you into the piece, as does the upbeat rhythms.
There are elements of hard rock drilling up from the gravel substrate
but the flow of this piece is very spiritual.
“Sunflowers”
is a song that has stuck in my head from the moment the first notes
filtered through the speakers. The ornate patterns of harmony wind
around the listener like the winding tendrils of a rose bearing vine.
Just be mindful of the thorns. The background music has a tempo that
engages the mind and the interludes of music between the vocals drift in
and out like clouds. The sweet female vocals hum and seduce with their
sweetness and thought provoking lyrics. The piano and vocals entwine
together to craft a song that is emotional and a bit of a lament for
things that have gone away. The sun brings things back into the light
and forces us forward, away from dark thoughts.
“Two
Exits” is actually the first song I heard from the album and by far the
darkest. That usually means it will be my favorite and of course it is.
Deliberate musical paths are drawn and lead the listener along the path
less taken, right into the depths of the forest of the night. As I sit
here the song slithers down my spine, trailing shivers along my skin and
delicious kisses of trepidation as a guitar wails. Lovers of dark fairy
tales and Goth sentiments will adore this piece.
Dizzybloom
hails from the dry climes of Provo, Utah. Their sound is one that can’t
be but into one specific genre. In their new album Oceans you
have a blend of their original works, some new and some old, along with a
cover of “See Me Feel Me.” To be honest, I liked their original pieces
much, much better and was transfixed by works like “Sunflowers,” “Two
Exits” and “Edge of the Ending.” They were constructed with texture,
fluid rhythms and rapturous vocals that kept my mind wandering back to
them over and over again. You know an album has your attention when you
start humming the lyrics and melodies when you aren’t listening to it at
that moment. Dizzybloom is a refreshing upbeat band that covers some
far reaching topics, some pretty deep. Oceans is an album that is fast becoming a favorite in my audible library. I highly recommend it.
4/5 STARS
Key Tracks- Two Exits, Sunflowers, Oceans
Dana Wright-Muzikreviews.com Sr. Staff
July 16, 2013
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