Stocked full of hooks and a jovial playing style that never lets its guard down, to melodies which linger long after the playing has passed. From the fringes of New York comes Amarachi with her latest EP release entitled “All or Nothing” This stunning collection provides 6 tantalizing tracks with unique melodies that soak every accomplished note from the beginning of “Certified Criminal” and “My Man” through to climactic end of “Killing Me Softly” and the grand slam closer “Bye Bye Goodbye.” It offers many musical familiarities, wearing those inspirations proudly on its sleeve showcasing pop musical influences hinged on impressive musicianship and a unique vocals from Amarachi. This is especially lacking on today’s pop. Case in point: This is one of the most fascinating artists I’ve heard in a while, a long, long while. It’s fair to say that the CD goes far up and down the spectrum of emotions from Amarachi. CD is a bit bipolar – in a good way. Track 2 “I’ll Be Good” and “My Man” are paired well together back to back. Most of the album keeps you in a good, light hearted mood throughout. It has original songs reminiscent of modern jazzy-dance-pop with songs written similar to that style yet surprisingly with a contemporary edge like Norah Jones. I say surprisingly because Amarachi can be effective in this strip down environment. Though it certainly provides a consistent balance of some genres listed above I can also hear Pop and Contemporary Jazz-Folk – the albums worst kept secret.
As the CD slowly advances the melodies, addictive hooks return sporadically from time to time with a beckoning potency not far away from the mediocre mainstream. Bottom line: there’s something much more tangible about this release compared to most of the CD’s that slide across my desk this year – seems very pure, honest and personified human strength and courage. All these traits probably describe Amarachi’s personally. All tracks emerge from a modest yet highly refined pop-rock web producing much in the way of thick bass lines, eloquent vocals, guitar, rock solid acoustic rhythm guitar, earthy yet consistent solo segments. .
The instruments, and subsequent meticulous movements provided by this experienced band will leave their mark on you instinctually and inspire the emotions. Amarachi’s voice does not jump out but has a modest quality which defines itself and work well within the setting of each piece. Her mesmerizing soprano coupled with the acoustical exuberance paints you an impressive picture upon a vibrant musical canvas. Artists like Amarachi are not a dime a dozen, they shine quite like a priceless gem in a crowded pan of mud.
Buy on AMAZON: http://www.amazon.com/All-Or-Nothing-Amarachi/dp/B00NUPIGHQ
4/5 Stars
Jeffery Daly
