REVIEWS . . .
PROGRESSION John Collinge
www.progressionmagazine.com
RATING: 15
Luna Rossa is an intimate acoustic project led by erstwhile Karnataka / Panic Room mates Anne-Marie Helder (vocals) and multi-instrumentalist Jonathan Edwards; other assist on bass, strings, flute, guitar and programming. The gist is melodically wistful, lilting songcraft with richly orchestrated arrangements.
This is superb midnight fireside fare, eloquently shepherded by Helder's warm, emotive delivery amidst cinematic instrumental atmospheres. The duo's ballad-oriented lyrics are romantic and introspective, made memorable by consistently strong melodic themes. And while the album's title applies in a general sense, subtle changeups beckon focused listening.
"Scream At The Sky" and "Rise Up" are gorgeously stirring tunes with sonorous cello lines, sparkling piano and acoustic guitar. "Fight Or Flight" sports and incredible melody you'll want to spin again and again - one of several here I'd like to hear re-done with electric ensemble. Instrumental piece "Leaving For The Last Time" conveys sentimentality via piano and flute. "La Clef"" is a sweetly heartfelt lullaby sung in French that requires no translation.
Helder and Edwards make a winning creative duo. Here's hoping that Luna Rossa has more where this came from.
Luna Rossa is an intimate acoustic project led by erstwhile Karnataka / Panic Room mates Anne-Marie Helder (vocals) and multi-instrumentalist Jonathan Edwards; other assist on bass, strings, flute, guitar and programming. The gist is melodically wistful, lilting songcraft with richly orchestrated arrangements.
This is superb midnight fireside fare, eloquently shepherded by Helder's warm, emotive delivery amidst cinematic instrumental atmospheres. The duo's ballad-oriented lyrics are romantic and introspective, made memorable by consistently strong melodic themes. And while the album's title applies in a general sense, subtle changeups beckon focused listening.
"Scream At The Sky" and "Rise Up" are gorgeously stirring tunes with sonorous cello lines, sparkling piano and acoustic guitar. "Fight Or Flight" sports and incredible melody you'll want to spin again and again - one of several here I'd like to hear re-done with electric ensemble. Instrumental piece "Leaving For The Last Time" conveys sentimentality via piano and flute. "La Clef"" is a sweetly heartfelt lullaby sung in French that requires no translation.
Helder and Edwards make a winning creative duo. Here's hoping that Luna Rossa has more where this came from.
