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Rykarda Parasol's latest release, For Blood and Wine, delivers an ornate tapestry of songs. Somewhere between reflection, solitude, darkness and glamorous decadence, lies Ms. Parasol's world. The album opens with an ominous, twangy intro, 'The Road Is Long', which seems to anticipate the rest of the album. Like unique objects sitting in the nooks of a curio cabinet, each song unfolds a history, story, life all it's own. Rykarda's voice is rich and unafraid, carving its way through every poetic word. She goes where most female singers dread going with their voices, often low and deep in a way that would please the likes of Nina Simone or Diamanda Galas.
'Widow in White' has a distinctly Victorian air to it, while 'No Sir (Ain't No Man)' recalls the streets of Lautrec era Paris. 'Maggie' seems to revel in the shadowy existence of it's protagonist in a small, dark house in the depths of the South. 'One For Joy' is a debauched, circusy anthem celebrating the necessary balance of joy and sorrow. Some of the tracks are cushioned by small, sweeping Dirty Three-esque interludes. Every song is a place to sit down a spell and think. 'Covenant' is a powerful ballad filled with lust and melancholy, and is my personal favorite out of the bunch. Of course, this comes after listening to the album for weeks on end. Picking a favorite is like trying to pick a favorite child, it's not easy and it feels wrong. Intoxicating, romantic, antiqued and truly special, For Blood and Wine is an almost intimidating accomplishment. |
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