Beware Fashionable Women “Bird Park”
Beware Fashionable Women is the musical outlet of Barak Shpiez, who writes, records, and plays every note on the new album “Bird Park.” This sophomore release has a bit more indie rocker feel to it, starting with a freestyle guitar riff on the opener “How To Induce Animals.” The bigger guitar sound is also featured on “New Mexico.” Recently Shpiez has worked with Rivers Cuomo (Weezer) and this track shows off that influence.
Stylistically the album gets more sophisticated as we move forward, “When The World Begins Again” has a really good chorus with a descending chord structure. “Some Mirrors Look Better Than Others” is another memorable song that reminded me of the band Field Music. However the best song here is the rich anthem “The Devil’s Smile” with just enough guitar crunch and light airy harmonies throughout. Highly Recommended.
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Wrenn “Hi”
Wrenn is a female vocalist from Athens, Georgia who self-funded this LP with Kickstarter. I wasn’t sure what to make of of the spacey opener “The Day Atlas Dropped The Ball,” that goes goofy with jazz horns. Wrenn’s vocal plays off the keys, brass and occasional acoustic guitar. “Laundromat” is a sparse arrangement that shows off her melodic and soulful vocal. Think Adele-lite meets McCartney’s first solo album.
“Summer Wind” has a smoldering arrangement with its brass and piano details. The quirky “Almond Eyes” keeps things from getting to serious with its fun reggae beat that creeps up on you. Some vocal experimentation on “Wild Card” is the type of thing that keeps you listening, and the melodic tune “Lucy Boy” is the big payoff. It’s a highlight, almost a show tune and worth the wait. I look forward to more from Wrenn.
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