Through the Devil Softly

"Through the Devil Softly"

"As Reported by By Dollyforme"

Hope Sandoval has a sound that has been called “Country Music from Hell” I actually saw her play in a cemetery once. Anyway, Hope Sandoval has released a second album which luxuriates in the haunted, psychedelic resonance of her former band Mazzy Star. Who were Mazzy Star? An odd band with a hot vocalist that had many hit singles in the early 90’s that’s who. Long term fans of our hot little singer will find “Through the Devil Softly” to be familiar but engrossing territory.

For those unfamiliar with the early ‘90s peak of Mazzy Star, the album is a good place to start. Descendents from California’s “Paisley Underground” scene, Mazzy Star’s sound was slow, hypnotic dream-pop. With guitarist David Roback, formerly of Rain Parade and Opal, Sandoval wrote songs which were heavy with dark psychedelia. The duo also produced swaying, acoustic ballads which spoke of blues and folk influences.

As the title suggests, it is this streak which dominates “Through the Devil Softly”. My Bloody Valentine drummer, Colm O Ciosoig, provides a spare, eerie background which accentuates Sandoval’s vocals perfectly. An atmosphere which is both other-worldly and evocative of weary blues emerges from opening track, “Blanchard”. To a gentle backing which sways and spirals by turns, Sandoval sings an enigmatic lament: “I play death in the space of my life, That’s how I feel, and I'll never think it twice, All these things that I held against you, Who should we blame for the things that we do?” Solving the riddle seems unimportant when the sound is so drenched in atmosphere.

 Frequently described as “sultry”, “smokey”, or “narcotic”, Sandoval’s voice is unique. Her steady, even tones suggest a disembodied voice that has somehow escaped from a dream. The risk with such a voice is that given the wrong backing it can suggest a certain emptiness and disengagement. There are moments here when the drift of the music becomes too flat. The shifting echoes of “For the Rest of Your Life” are a good example. While soothing, little impression is left. Generally, “Through the Devil Softly” avoids this shapelessness by harnessing distinctive folk sounds. Slide guitar, harp, and cello are used to punctuate the backing. “Fall Aside” is a winding, drowsy rhythm bedecked with chimes and banjo. “Blue Bird” is a highlight. Piano and sweeping drums create a twilight sway that lifts the subtle power of Sandoval’s voice onto a different plane: “Is that the devil in your sky? Is that what’s glowing in your eyes?” Once again, we hear a touch of sauntering banjo. But it’s a dusty, distant steel guitar that really seals the deal. The sound seems to descend out of nowhere bringing a fresh emotional charge. Ghostly and full of elegant sadness, “Bluebird” is country music as you hear it in a deep dream.

“Through the Devil Softly” is a languid journey that rewards patience with some transcendent moments. The music achieves a perfect balance. It possesses enough character to engage but never impinges on the delicate trance of the vocals. If you have been missing this sound well, its back to make your dreams nightmares once again.

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