This is a slightly difficult one to review. Ever Orchid is very much an artist working in multi-mediums. Looking at her MySpace page you will find a huge list of people that she admires; artists, musicians, philosophers, free thinkers as well as a huge array of things she is interested in. As the title of this 4 track CD suggests it is music that is designed around performance and I do feel that although the audio part is here I am missing something as far as visual context is concerned and I am not getting the full benefit to allow a fully justified and fair judgement. This is certainly the case on the first couple of numbers although the second two strike as having more musical substance to them and are much more enjoyable to me as they are presented.
Starting with ‘Petal Heart’ we have music that is what I would describe as neo-classical folk and quite dark and gothic. Strings are predominately utilised around vocal harmonies which remind a bit (although I feel lazy saying so) of Siouxsie Sioux. I do imagine this making more of an impact presented live and am intrigued to, as I no doubt will at some point, catch a live show. ‘Naja Naja’ is incredibly dreary and that is meant as a description rather than criticism. It is one bleak and rainy day of a listen and one sung as though flat to heighten the feel (I am assuming this is on purpose). Frankly I don’t like it either and find the music putting me on edge and making me uncomfortable as it rises to more of a crescendo.
Much more likeable is ‘Pollina’ which is abstract and highly ethereal as well as mystical and magical. It is like a faerie song to me fluttering on wings of gossamer, fragile and mesmerising. Plenty of sounds play around the vocal textures and draw you into the mystery which really is quite sublime. Last number ‘Queen Sequoiadendron’ is as odd as its title suggests. Vocals reach higher ranges making this sound like a pagan chant or summoning to the gods. I am reminded here a bit of Nebelhexe partly due to both vocals and subtle use of incidental instrumentation and sounds as this builds up and peaks at a beseeching clamour.
To be honest I think I have only really skimmed the surface here but am certainly intrigued to hear and witness more. Take a look and listen to things at the links below.
http://www.myspace.com/everorchid
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6PKASfiy8cQ
