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Review: Art In Manila - Set The Woods On Fire

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By: Kendall | in: Music |

Art in Manila

Saddle Creek Records has a new artist, and a familiar face waiting in the wings of their soon-to-be-released arsenal. For those of you familiar with Azure Ray, and their 2004 disbanding, you’ll be excited! One half (Orenda Fink) has started her own project called Art In Manila. After a solo project that gained high acclaim critically, but was not a big commercial success Fink started a revolving touring band of players. Eventually, friendships were made, and a more permanent band was assembled. Orenda plays guitar and handles lead vocal duties, but wrote songs built around the strengths of the players in her band.

Art in Manila

What makes this record interesting is not any one specific characteristic. All the parts come cohesively together to form a rich fabric of texture. In the opening track “Time Gets Us All”, you are lead in easy and simple and filled with introspective lyrics. Many of the songs other songs are slower ballads, but never tend to bore, because of the musical difference from song to song. It’s easy to get lost in the soundscape that you’re fed between the siren-like vocals and the pied piper guitars that lead you along. “Golden Dawn” and “Thought I was Free” are great slower songs to check out. The album refuses to let you fall completely into a lullaby by throwing in a fewnoisier and rocking tracks. Look for “Our Addictions” and “Run Spirit” to bring out the electric guitars and distortion. The title track manages to house the best of both worlds.
Overall this is yet another strong release from Saddle Creek. They are certainly showcasing great players, talented songwriters, and indie music that is not too full of itself.

Art in Manila - Set the Woods on Fire

Art in Manila - Our Addictions

Art in Manila on MySpace


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Posted on July 26, 2007

Comments

2 Responses to “Review: Art In Manila - Set The Woods On Fire”

  1. Charbarred on July 26th, 2007 8:15 am

    This album is what you might call “a grower”. At first I thought it was OK, but the more I listen to it, I’m convinced it’ll end up being one of my favorites of the year.


  2. Rustycat on July 27th, 2007 12:28 am

    Great band!


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