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FULCRUM
(Rock)
(Rock)
DAYFALL
(Rock)
(Rock)
Atlas Shrugged
(Rock)
(Rock)
Zumanity
(Rock)
(Rock)
Portobello
(Rock)
(Rock)
Hey Vampires
(Alternative)
(Alternative)
Friday Nov 14, 2008
Elizabeth Willis & Clara Lofaro | CD Reviews
Elizabeth Willis
Elizabeth Willis’ self titled album is a bouncy yet heartbreaking tour de force about love and loss. Her breathy, earthy and grounded vocals are enchanting, reminiscent of the great Tracy Chapman.
Willis’ classical training and influences are apparent in her music, especially in her delightful piano arpeggio work in “Blackbird” and her violin solos in her masterpiece “(In) Love.” The blend of classical and modern rock will definitely become (if not already) her musical trademark as Willis infuses violins and drums giving her music an edgy and alluring sound. Her drum parts break up the fluidity of the violin and piano instrumentation creating a unique sound with something for everyone.
The cello in Willis’ song “In Your Eyes” is a particularly beautiful and surprising addition to her album. Apart from the spectacular arrangement of the cello part her use of cello is refreshing and original. Many artists overlook the beauty of the cello but Willis manages to harness its strength and splendor and seamlessly incorporates it into her modern music.
Perhaps one of the more refreshing aspects of Willis’ album is that she keeps her lyrical contact limited in the best possible way. She manages to keep her lyrics simple but never sacrifices content and meaning. Her simplistic lyrics go straight to the point and allow the ear to be drawn to the complex and breathtaking instrumentation in her songs.
“Elizabeth Willis” is a bittersweet collection of love and, though this is not exactly the road less travelled, she manages to forge a new direction for the love song using her unique and intricate yet heart-wrenchingly straightforward style of musical and lyrical writing.
Clara Lofaro
Perfekt World
Clara Lofaro’s junior album “Perfekt World” is yet another example of Lofaro’s soulful songwriting that makes her such a refreshing presence in the music industry. Lofaro is a charming blend of old world and contemporary music; she is Sacre Coeur in the heart of modern Paris.
“Perfekt World” is such a remarkable album because of its excellent showcase of her range as a singer/songwriter. She effortlessly moves from light and breezy songs with toe-tapping melodies, such as “Birds of a Feather,” to bittersweet melancholic odes of loss, like “Blue,” and everything in between
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“Bitch go off” is a fantastic instance of Lofaro’s range. She has managed to create a poppy song with a great hook but at the same time keeps true to her nature and style. “Bitch go off” is so great because this confrontational, trash-talking song, reminiscent of Lilly Allen’s “Friday Night,” does not feel like a forced attempt to create a popular song with the sole intention of drawing a superficial audience. Instead it further highlights her unique abilities as a musician and her fearlessness as an artist.
“Perfekt World” is an amalgamation of Lofaro’s unique and diverse technique spanning the styles of the upbeat, sunny KT Tunstall to the profound and forlorn Norah Jones. “Perfekt World” would be a fabulous addition to any record collection.
Heather Holditch
Senior Editor
Aralie.com