Crystal
Grenade's Lo! And Behold is a brilliant yet brooding look at life, love and all
the annoying baggage that comes along for the ride.
Brent Black / www.criticaljazz.com
Cynical, oddly
maniacal, yet mesmerizing and that simply covers the lyrical portion of our
review. Crystal Grenade takes vocal performance art to levels not seen or
appreciated in perhaps twenty five years. The press release describes her as
follows:
“Shakespeares Sister fighting Amanda Palmer and
Tori Amos in a dimly lit Victorian pub. With hand deformities.”
For me it is Patti
Smith on steroids if you need a more specific frame of reference. There is an
obvious air of mystery that surrounds this most daring release. Is Crystal
Grenade a fictional character simply performing in third person or...is this the
most lyrically developed vocal artist since Tori Amos? I truly don't know, don't
really care to find out either as I am far more inclined to simply enjoy the
ride.
Song descriptions for a
debut release are somewhat pointless. An artistic frame of reference has been
laid down for one to interpret as they choose. The overall impression is
theatrical but in a David Bowie type of good way, a cerebral puzzle. Capturing
raw and edgy emotive qualities from lyrics that are embracing the darker side of
life can be stunning or a self indulgent train wreck. Let's go with
stunning...
Tracks: Welcome To The Freak Show;
You Could Have Lived; 1892 Man; Lost For Words; Changed; Take Aim!: Go Round
Twice; Leaving; Shape Of Things; Nothing To Do With Me; For Allison (What's Left
Behind)
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