The blogosphere has been abuzz for months in anticipation of the release of The Magician's Private Library, the debut full length album from New York-based musician Holly Miranda. So is the hype justified?
The album definitely betrays flashes of brilliance. By the time "Joints" concludes, you are engulfed in a perfect storm of saxophone, wrenching guitar, and gorgeous vocals.
Miranda is meticulous in building almost supernatural atmospheres in her music. Ghostly keyboards swirl around many of the tracks. Her voice serves as an additional instrument, helping to create a mood on "No One Just Is" that is both haunting and elegant.
By the time the album's done though, some of Miranda's tricks have worn thin. The arrangements, with the exception of a handful of tracks that feature horns, tend to be interchangeable. Her vocals, while striking at times, are often over-produced and processed to the point of sounding disembodied. That can make it sound like Miranda is actually bored singing her own songs.
Another hint of what could come is given to us on "Everytime I Go To Sleep". In a rare instance Miranda lets loose with a vocal performance brimming with a soul and passion that was dearly needed more often on the record.
While the hype surrounding Holly Miranda's music may have been a tad premature, there are undeniable indications that somewhere in the not too distant future she will deserve it.
Best tracks: "Joints", "Everytime I Go To Sleep"
Track listing for The Magician's Private Library:
- Forest Green Oh Forest Green
- Joints
- Waves
- No One Just Is
- Slow Burn Treason
- Sweet Dreams
- Everytime I Go To Sleep
- High Tide
- Canvas
- Sleep On Fire
Holly Miranda's Myspace
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