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Steve Morell & Monica Pokorná - Lady Pheres


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Lady Pheres is a second single promoting the long-awaited solo concept album from legendary producer Steve Morell called The Life and Death of Jimmy Pheres and his Rise from the Underworld. Both records issued up to date under the Pale Music label make us believe that the LP itself can be a quite of an event for the alternative music market (but not only).
In each of the songs musician is accompanied by Monica Pokorná, artist, performer, and collaborated during its realization by members of Einstürzende Neubauten and Noblesse Oblige.

The title track seems to be a worthy successor to Where the wild roses grow - without resorting to cliché, in a poetic way (words authors are both Morell and Pokorná) shows romantic love with an equally melancholy note, however, it is in opposition to the legendary duo of Nick Cave and Kylie Minogue – a feeling does not have a morbid sense of nature, it is not sealed by murder, but by a common dance in front of people staring at a brilliant partner of Jimmy Pheres. But for them, count only themselves, common steps, every detail of this moment, all the senses are engaged at the bestowal of kisses. Even if this love would prove to be toxic in the future (the femme fatale of a modern time), it is now not important - because it is considered in terms of the redemption. In music itself what counts is each element – polished at the smallest piece that becomes mastery of aesthetics, elegance, melancholy, the consent of two bodies - so dependent on each other in a specific moment, that one might say, it is only the recording of usually silent "musica humana". Without saying unnecessary things, it does not resort to the pathos, not reload, every note has its place and it seems, that this harmony could not exist if they add one or diminish any of them.
Lady Pheres draws on avant-garde pop. Hypnotic melody is obtained by acoustic and electric guitars and violin that complements them, but attention is focused mainly on the refined piano, forcing the listener from the first notes to cease the pace, breathtaking, slowing blood flow in the veins and giving it back at the mercy of music in a collaboration with vibraphone and bells, which, completing phrases, weave it into renewing cycle, becoming more and more addictive.
The richness of emotion is also produced by the vocals – Steve’s mesmerizing deep voice, like the phrases of Monica, quiet, ensuring a commitment. Their summary is a emotional vocal gospel of Valerie Renay.
Lady Pheres shines - but there is not an ounce of cheap glitz, there are only reflections of warm light reflected from a woman’s jewelry absorbed by the seductive dance - seducing surroundings, seducing the man, she chose, seducing the listener by its reflection in sounds.

The material contained on the single is a complete story. The following works, even none of them matches the title one, is a continuation of mutual musical and lyrical concept - an intimate confession of lovers continues. Acoustic, slow and moody It's Been So Long is a full confession of longing and pain, but it can be interpreted as a story about the challenge of suffering endured by the second person by one of the lovers with still continuing love, might as well literally talk about the death of one of them. Cooperation of a piano, violin, accompanied by a cello, and other instruments creates a track which is a source of melancholy sorrow.
After worrying intermezzo Confusion the duo presents another original composition - Holding On, which differs from the other by emphasizing sound of a distorted electric guitar (what adds this song a little of a punk character) and a faster pace. In the text layer we get a solution - when all fears are dispelled, and the silence distributed, lovers will face a new beginning.
Vinyl offers also a listener a remix of the title track, and the digital version of the single - three more. DJ Vela's The Lady Smiles Vocal Remix is kept in a bit of a dance spirit, however, it retains much from the original one - including guitars, violin and vibraphone, while experimenting with vocals and rhythm section. The treatments made in The Handclap Situation,... Remix attract attention. The initial ambient character, using in an interesting way gospel vocals, is broken by the introduction of d'n'b rhythms. Of all the remixes I enjoyed this one the most. Electrosexual Remix is basically electronic version of the original composition, interfering the least to the structure of the track.

Morell is trying not to affect only the sense of hearing.
Holders of a vinyl version will be startled by presence of several brick-orange fluffy feathers falling out of the envelope, which in any case does not fall trashy, on the contrary, merges perfectly with the concept, and is one of the most original ideas of this kind, I had the opportunity to meet. Everyone can associate with a fully sensual atmosphere of the video.

So sit down in peace and open a bottle of red wine, keeping in mind the emotions, with which Steve Morell art certainly helps to reconcile.

Tracklist:


A1. Lady Pheres (Original)
A2. Lady Pheres (DJ Vela's The Lady Smiles Vocal Remix)
B1. It's Been So Long
B2. Confusion
B3. Holding On (Vinyl Bonus track Only)

01. Lady Pheres (The Handclap Situation,... Remix)
02. Lady Pheres (Electrosexual Remix)
03. Lady Pheres (DJ Vela The Lady Smiles Instrumental Remix)
Author:
Translator: hellium
Add date: 2013-05-15 / Music reviews




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