CD REVIEW: By Alex Jasperse - 05/11/2007 - 11:39 AM EDT
Artist: Norine Braun
Album: Evolution of the Blood Star [2006]
Label: Independent
Website: http://www.norinebraun.com
Genre: Trip-Hop, Pop/Rock, New Wave, Soul
Production/Musicianship Grade: 9.5/10
Songwriting Skills: 9.8/10
Performance Skill: 10/10
What is ‘peaceful’ music? Well, certainly not rainbows and lollipops if you talk to some. ‘Peaceful’ music is generally considered to evoke ease, a feeling of close friendship, safety and security – but why does it tend to border on cliché most of the time? Enter Norine Braun, who shows that peaceful music can be at once powerful and calming, introspective and compelling, rather than being susceptible to any immediate dismissal.
Typically when an artist jumps repeatedly from one genre to another, mixed opinions and harsh criticism are the result. The sense of predictability, constancy and security we associate with that artist is thrown out the window, and we’re left standing there in a dark room of new sounds – sounds we didn’t know we had opened the doors to. But every now and then, someone comes along and welcomes us in, guides us through, and energizes our new musical experience with a sense of peace and security. And that is exactly what makes Norine Braun’s latest, Evolution of the Blood Star, one of the most radiant and emotionally engaging works of the past few years.
Nowhere is the act of falsity; instead it is a reflection of Braun’s ease with her roles as both an artist and a musician. It’s hard not to describe her words as peaceful, reflective and intelligent. There is no weight being placed upon the listener’s shoulders, because she’s transformed the grind of the everyday into poetic statements that encourage a long, deep look at the bigger picture. She has used her voice as her own very human and authentic instrument – unlike others who hide behind a false pretense of honesty. As result, Braun’s comfort with herself as an artist, and her comfort with exploring other genres is what makes Evolution of the Blood Star shine ever so bright.
From the get-go, the sly and lush mystique of “Be Brave (Do It Right Blaxcot Remix)” soothes with mid-tempo groove that’ll no doubt sweep fans of chill-out and
down tempo off their feet with its relaxed and graceful intimacy. It’s not only pure bliss to the ears when it’s trading steps between sax lines and soft-spoken harmonies, but the sounds of electronic meets organic instrumentation, combines into a soothing textural
soundscape.
But if you thought that was the direction the album would trace, it may come as a surprise that Braun is an artist with a rebellious spirit all her own. Willing to let everyone come along for the ride, things suddenly shift gear and speed up in “Stoned and Feathered.” Rocking out Blondie-style, combined with the indescribable allure of Grace Jones, Braun’s powerful vocals are complemented by growly electric guitars and pounding drum lines. This new wave and post-punk spirit takes a short breather before coming back in “Conformity 451”, which combines the lyrical quirkiness of The
Ramones, with upbeat funk guitar lines that dip in and out of classic power trio
riffage. If the title of this song seems like an indication of its musical direction – fast, short and a fight against authority – past the midway mark it breaks down into delectable vocal layers of classic ‘oohs’ and ‘ahhs’ that are complemented by a sweet hint of guitar.
What’s so fascinating and enjoyable about Evolution of a Blood Star is how it literally makes the listener forget that the songwriting, structurally, is nothing new. But after the first thirty seconds of deeply introspective tracks like, “Alberta,” it slaps the hands of all possible criticisms that could be made. The sheer attractive force of the energy that is breathing within is simply surreal, spiritual even. Is it a stretch to say that? I’d say no, and I’d even dare you to try and do anything else while Braun is singing. Take “In Space” for example: you’d either forget what you where doing, or drift towards the sounds with a magnetic force that is indescribable. Might not want to get behind the wheel with this one on…
It is apparent that Braun has an understanding of how to keep a listener’s attention in place for over an hour. Slowing the pace down for a few minutes is not only a chance for the listener to take a momentary breather, but it sets the stage for Braun to show off the strength of her vocals with several melancholic pieces. Tracks like “Crystallize” and “If I Could be the One” are infused with descending synths lines, flutes and acoustic guitars that are only there to accent her talent while she croons soft and reflective melodies.
This album is simply a masterpiece: it has detached elements from jazz, pop, trip-hop and soul without ever losing a sense of ‘cool’. Everything is rich and varied, daring but soothing and beautifully poetic. And most importantly, nowhere, simply nowhere, does it feel uneven. If you need something to reinspire your musical palette, or to convince you that it ‘hasn’t all been done before,’ then Evolution of the Blood Star exudes an energy that’s not only peaceful, but is the work of a genius that cannot be understated. There’s pretty much nothing else you could ask for (well, a private concert, perhaps… but that might be a stretch).
"...This album is
simply a masterpiece: it has detached elements from jazz, pop, trip-hop
and soul without ever losing a sense of ‘cool’. Everything is rich and
varied, daring but soothing and beautifully poetic." - Alex Jasperse
- Muses Muse
"...this
singer-songwriter goes from the jazzy, to the funky and even out to the
rocky. But Be Brave Do It Right shows of her soul roots, within the
framework of a jazzy ambience that snags the ear from the first note, and
holds it until the last has faded. Despite this disparity of styles in one
song, it works well for a smooth and creamy result!" - Dave Chislett
- Matchbox Recordings
"On first
listening... WoW! Will be putting this in a playlist real soon!" -
Kathryn May - The Kat and Eye Jukebox
Vancouver BC Canada Building energy behind her award winning single, Crystallize, Norine Braun premieres her new music video showcasing First Nation west coast art styled animation by
RUN! RUN! RUN! a motion graphics animation company from Toronto. Directed and designed by Davide Di
Saro', this uniquely styled animation is applied graphically using all original hand drawings and then rendered digitally which creates an intriguing kaleidoscope.
Vibrant visuals display a dynamic story of a crow and it’s numinous relation to the singer-songwriter. The animated crows and other spiritual animal totems glide and dance with magical colour and psychedelic patterns captivating the viewer from start to finish. The playful video’s mystical quality reveals the interconnectedness of all things in keeping with the narrative of the song.
Crystallize is included on Norine’s latest multi-genre album Evolution of the Blood Star and is receiving much praise; Braun was chosen from a sea of artists to win the esteemed award Female Singer-Songwriter of The Year in the Jazz category at the LA Music Awards last November (2006). Her song 'Crystallize' boasted the honors; it is optimistic and heartfelt; you will be swept up in the dreamlike nature of Braun's voice, pure to the ear. Sheila Hash, of High Four Records, reacts to the song and says, "From the minute Norine began singing I knew I would love this song. I literally got the urge to break out into song and dance, definitely a voice that could turn around even the worst mood."
"...This album is
simply a masterpiece: it has detached elements from jazz, pop, trip-hop
and soul without ever losing a sense of ‘cool’. Everything is rich and
varied, daring but soothing and beautifully poetic." - Alex Jasperse
- Muses Muse
"...this
singer-songwriter goes from the jazzy, to the funky and even out to the
rocky. But Be Brave Do It Right shows of her soul roots, within the
framework of a jazzy ambience that snags the ear from the first note, and
holds it until the last has faded. Despite this disparity of styles in one
song, it works well for a smooth and creamy result!" - Dave Chislett
- Matchbox Recordings
"On first
listening... WoW! Will be putting this in a playlist real soon!" -
Kathryn May - The Kat and Eye Jukebox
FANTASTIC NEWS! Crystallize has been accepted into rotation on the nations music station's muchmoremusic channel. Quite a feat for this little indie competing with big dollar major label stars to get played on a limited number of spots on national television. Davide Di Saro's outstandingly great work really stood out!!!
Now I need your support more than ever to email and request the video Crystallize by Norine Braun. Please send requests everyday to:
