Open Spaces is an eclectic yet unique pop offering from Seattle based singer/songwriter Andrea Desmond (Spectra Records). Her music is hard to put in a generalized category or genre, but she does manage to incorporate elements of indie, rock, jazz, folk, and even pop parallel to the 90’s. Desmond received training in songwriting under the guidance of Alan Menken, the Oscar-winning composer of such Disney classics as Beauty and the Beast and Alladin. No doubt inspiration comes from daily emotive impressions including a bumper-sticker, scribbles on a wall, signs of various purposes and from these static and fixed messages all over Bell Town. As the evocative and imaginative pulse is brought forth as I played her music it reminded me of music derived from elements of all things Seattle. With all 5 songs performed by Desmond and her band there’s no questioning any musical credibility here which is established right from the beginning of track 1 “Block the Heart.” Desmond has a great voice that flutters like a butterfly. The Instrumentation features standard alt rock delivery with a touch of classical with things like piano, and flute. I will add she is not an amateur surrounded but a professional band and production team, We’ve all heard our fair share of that recently. As the CD unwinds the fist few tracks: “Block the Heart,” “Dawn Breakers” and “I Can Wait no Longer” open the door slowly while effortlessly flowing into a strong collection of 5 songs. Her musical style features a skillful combination of alternative rock, singer/songwriter-esque pop very inviting to the ears. Once again her music reminds me of pop popular in the 90’s — which is not necessarily a bad thing. Other pieces “Painting”, “Run” and “Teal Water” command a strong sense of musical cohesion from Desmond and her band. Some moments are even stunning. Right away I can hear vocal comparables to Celine Dion, Lara Fabian, Delta Goodrem,. On the other end of the sonic spectrum I can even hear Birdy. Lana del Ray, Lykke Li, Digby. You will note Katy Perry and Brittany Spears are not mentioned here – lol.
The EP as a whole provides a well choreographed musical experience with Desmond at the forefront. All tracks to me are thoughtful and a stellar performance-driven pop that are wonderfully powerful in nature. Open Spaces EP by Andrea Desmond is an incredibly fluid musical statement from beginning to end. It provides brilliant artistic vision from an amazing singer and subsequent musical visionary that’s deserving of far wider recognition than this review. Weather you like Celtic rock, pop, alternative rock sensibilities rest assured Andrea Desmond is making her presence known in an otherwise commercial myriad of soulless clutter. Perfect pacing, intriguing compositions and a stellar voice have her scoring big here with me! If this release slipped past you then take you may want take notice – linked below.
Official URL: http://www.andreadesmond.com/
5/5 Stars
SOUNDCLOUD: https://soundcloud.com/andrea-naomi-desmond
by Natalie Brennan