At the Doorway Again (Hope Sandoval and the Warm Inventions)

Chronique

Collaborating with My Bloody Valentine drummer Colm O'Ciosoig, Hope Sandoval's first solo effort is not a radical departure from the Mazzy Star sound, filled as it is with dark, romantic lullabies; but where Mazzy Star have always had an element of psychedelia to their sound, At the Doorway Again abandons that style for sparse, lighter arrangements. "Around My Smile," the lead track here, features Sandoval at her most sexy, sounding a bit like Julee Cruise with chord changes and heavy guitar echo reminiscent of 1950s ballads. Only some light guitar feedback hints at Sandoval and O'Ciosoig's previous experimental leanings. Far away from the heavy or morose sounds of their previous bands, on the instrumental "Sparkly," Sandoval whispers, warbles, and croons through beautiful acoustic guitars, light vibes, and strings, while on "Down the Steps" she sings breathlessly over a simple piano progression. A fine start for both Sandoval and O'Ciosoig, who before this release had not been heard from in four and nine years respectively.
© Geoff Orens /TiVo