Lavender Diamond – “The Cavalry of Light”

This E.P. showcases the melodic, earnestly sweet vocal stylings of Los Angeles-based soprano Becky Stark, accompanied by peaceful, happy piano, strings and light drums. Especially the last two tracks remind me of a sweeter, more angelic-sounding modern day Judy Collins. The lyrics evoke a sixties folk hopeful mood, but in a disappointingly predictable and clichéd way. Would work nicely in a folk/female vocalists/happy pop set.
FCC clean. Recommended tracks: 3, 4.
(Review by Joanna S. on 6/30/07)

1. (3:34) midtempo steady tambourine, guitars, drums, piano accompany ambitious vocals that build in power.
2. (4:53) slow ballad. stark’s vocals are lower here, and seem more powerful and emotional as a result. accompanying plaintive strings, guitars and piano.
* 3. (4:19) alternates btwn. steady, slow, haunting soprano vocals and upbeat chorus of voices with tambourine and rousing acoustic guitars and drums. clap along-able.
* 4. (3:56) upbeat, soaring strings and piano back up hopeful and saccharine vocal sweeps. guitars, drums and chorus come in and add some force to the last half of the song, which really reminds me of late 60s joni mitchell/judy collins.