Angel
Ocana – White Roses (Independent)
Angel Ocana – originally from Brooklyn, New York, and
now based in Philadelphia – is a singer-songwriter with a keen ear for
contemporary styles, yet aware of the tradition in which he operates. The
results of that understanding can be heard throughout the four tracks on “White
Roses”, which resonate with classic songwriting whilst traversing a number of
different genres, including alternative folk, dream-pop and gentle,
piano-flecked indie-rock.
Ocana’s father was a DJ, so it’s understandable that
he heard lots of different music at a young age, and that curiosity and
open-mindedness has obviously influenced him when it came to making his own
music. For these recordings Christopher Davis-Shannon joins him on bass and
Anna K Jarosz plays the fore-mentioned piano, and also sings. Together they
make a sound that is enveloping and opulent, and Ocana’s songs, which are
direct and candid, are sung with a slow, heavy intensity – and it’s very
effective.
Though only four tracks long, the collection clocks
in at over 21 minutes, as the group allow plenty of space and time for the
songs to grow and develop. They understand completely the dynamics of the music
they’re making, and nothing feels rushed or unfinished. First track “Fire On the Ocean” makes an ideal opening piece; the
shuffling rhythm (Ocana drums), shimmering tones, the density of the
arrangement (and its presentation) are spellbinding. They end with the epic
“Last Train to You” – its tender, uncluttered opening evolving into a
compelling production, which is wholly persuasive.
Phil S.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: only a member of this blog may post a comment.