Note: Art in Manila is the latest project from former Azure Ray member Orenda Fink. The band lineup includes former and current members of Saddle Creek Records artists including Bright Eyes, The Good Life, Mayday and Neva Dinova.
Sound: With Orenda’s lush vocals and woozy, hypnotic vibe, her most band-sounding release tackles sensual and hard-driving indie rock, strummy and bouncy folk/pop, gentle and surreal ballads, and mystical and ominous tribal atmosphere.
Heavy Rotation tracks: “The Sweat Descends”; “Set the Woods On Fire”
Medium Rotation tracks: “Golden Dawn”; “Our Addictions”
Recommended: Collaborating with a band makes for some exciting, more rockin’ possibilities for Orenda Fink. At times, Art In Manila’s mixing of angelic vocals with dark, spacious rock and creepy, stripped-down folk/pop is reminiscent of the great ’90s band Belly and the results are glorious. Other times, though, the songs meander and lose their punch. Orenda’s solo debut was a more stunning and consistent album, however with Art In Manila, she’s opened up some excellent new possibilities.
Grade: B
Download/Stream “Set the Woods on Fire” MP3
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