At first listen in Matthew Azrieli’s “Condoms and Razoblades” track from the EP Chloe, this listener surmised comparisons to Bob Dylan and even Eliot Smith. The dreary guitar in a slow dance with the crippled piano; a winding path of lyrics ending in a story are present. After a few more listens, there seemed to be a brightness, a dramatic pulse in the songs bridge and in Azrieli’s voice. It’s ever so subtle, but Azrieli’s pace and comforting orchestration tears at the heart.
In “Mockingbird” and the title track, Azrieli (a Berklee College of Music student) shines with brass-polished orchestrations and structured form. However, as a listener, his genuine apathy makes for a freeing, loose-fitting comfort. He’s so likeable and these songs fall into a more pop than folk/Americana base.
In “Pass Us By” the mesmerizing guitar work is embellished alongside the rust-sounding vocals. Azrieli’s voice is much like Dylan, as if he’s aged the words coming out like fine Whiskey and a cigar a day. Maybe two. Still, that growl, that copper-flavored voice is wise and mysterious. He makes you want to hear more.
Overall, Chloe is a fantastic result. Other tracks include “Baby It’s Hard” and the enjoyable “Where Are You Tonight?”. Azrieli’s unique voice and point-of-view are only a few of the weapons in his arsenal. Fans of acoustic music and strong lyricists will find something they like on this A+ offering.
