Album Details

• Artist: Venice Is Sinking
• Album: Azar
• Label:
• Year of Release: 2009
• ME Rating:
• Reviewed by: tosnob on 2009-04-22

Produced by Scott Solter (Mountain Goats, John Vanderslice), the group uses traditional rock instruments, augmented with string arrangements and the occasional processed blip or loop to create delicate fields of sound. The down tempo tracks are sprawling slowcore monuments, not unlike those created by bands like Low.

The spaciest, dreamiest songs are the four instrumentals, Azars One-Four. There's a subtle roots rock influence on tracks like "Young Master Sunshine" as well.

It's really the vocal interplay between Daniel Lawson and Karolyn Troupe that create the most memorable moments on the album. The male/female vocals work well in harmony, while bobbing and weaving amongst one another.

The end result is an album with an immediate stark, cold aura. The more time you spend with the record however, the warmer and more inviting the music becomes.

While not perfect, it does have a noticeable lull or two, Azar is a fine work of art that holds plenty of secrets for the listener.

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