Mazzy Star: Hope Sandoval (vocals); David Roback (guitar).
Recording information: 1990.
This dark and dreamy psychedelic band pairs former Rain Parade and Opal guitarist Dave Roback with vocalist Hope Sandoval. Drawing primarily from the swirling, textured drone of such '60s groups as The Velvet Underground and The Doors, Mazzy Star also incorporates blues, country, and pulsing acoustic folk elements, creating a highly textured and luminous amalgam. The band's auspicious debut, SHE HANGS BRIGHTLY is a rich, atmospheric bag of tricks.
Such songs as "Halah," "Ride It On," and "Be My Angel" emphasize the duo's folk/pop origins but add layers of effect-drenched guitar and intimate, pristine production to achieve gorgeously ethereal results. The title track and "Ghost Highway" are more blues-based and recall the simmering and evocative ethic of heavy acid-rock. Sandoval's languid, earthy vocals are the perfect foil for Roback's lysergic explorations, and SHE HANGS BRIGHTLY is undoubtedly the band's finest moment.
What the critics say...
Rolling Stone (9/6/90) - 4 Stars - Excellent - "The music is a foreboding, sluggish swirl of dark sound and fragile melody...hypnotic music...as entrancing as the reflection of an ominous night sky on a lake."
Q - 4 Stars - Excellent.
Option - Highly Recommended - "..a fantastic, mystic, angelic excursion..."
NME (Magazine) (8/12/00, p.29) - Ranked #18 in The NME "Top 30 Heartbreak Albums".
NME (Magazine) (7/31/93, p.27) - 8 - Excellent - "...everything is so precious and absorbing and luminous that only an imminent sequel can satisfy the tragic yearning it inspires...."
