“Through the Devil Softly” by Hope Sandoval & the Warm Inventions

Hope Sandoval & the Warm Inventions
Through the Devil Softly
[Nettwerk]

Former Mazzy Star vocalist Hope Sandoval’s latest album is a darkly lit midnight opus that is beautifully packaged under the ominous banner Through the Devil Softly. Whatever inspires Sandoval in her writing, Devil or no, the album is like a flickering fire that is in a terminal fight to keep her flames lit.

Sandoval has always astounded me with her subversive yet delicate prose and shimmery vocals. Her somber delivery is strengthened by an eclectic folk fusion courtesy of her backing band, the Warm Inventions. One highlight is “For the Rest of Your Life” which hypnotizes as it pulsates with a slow, dissonant guitar tremble.

Ultimately, Through the Devil Softly is a solid awakening for Sandoval. My advice to any takers out there: light a candle, put on the record, see what happens – and beware of the Devil.