Music Reviews

Sleepless Dreaming: “Ode to the Marionette’s previous album, 2009’s Uncomfortable Situation, was a kind of dusky pop album with jazz underpinnings. Since then, the band has tightened its arrangements a bit while expanding its atmospheric palette. On “Disappear for a While,” low-end swells hover at the edges, then give way to a more somber piano progression, with Julia Brochéy’s voice quavering ever so slightly like Beth Gibbons and the weight of the lyrics collapsing in on you. This whole record is filled with the sounds of two artists embracing their classical backgrounds to craft music that has impeccably solid structure and emotionally resonant melodies. The album’s down-tempo beats and Brochéy’s expressive voice make each song a darkly soothing listen.” Tom Murphey, Denver Westword.

Sleepless Dreaming: “Ode to the Marionette: An uncommon name, and even more uncommon music. Julia Brochey’s singing reminds me of a fairytale princess stuck inside a tower awaiting her savior, and the music that she and Christian Lowsley create follows suit. Their latest release, Sleepless Dreaming, is a leisurely trip through Brochey’s mind, with the classically trained Lowsley at the wheel of the ship.

The composition throughout the record is strangely awesome, always seeming to match the lyrics and showcasing nothing, if not raw, musical mastery. It comes together somewhere between jazz, pop, and light rock, demonstrating the group’s ability to ignore conventional genre lines to find a sound uniquely their own.” – Tim Winger, Colorado Music Buzz

Uncomfortable Situation: “Colorado’s Best of 2009″ list KRFC (Jan 2, 2009) One of the most deliciously uncommon and interesting discs to cross my desk in 2009.” KRFC 88.9

Uncomfortable Situation: “Critic’s Choice “Singer Julia Brochey’s upper-register vocals soar and dance over thick rhythms and provide a counterpoint to the low-end dynamism that is the hallmark of the band’s sound.” Tom Murphy, Westword

Lelah Simon’s Third Week of April: “Simon’s record contains seven of her own compositions. “Others’ Eyes” is my favorite. It’s nearly sensual, coated with balmy atmosphere and beautiful lyricism. Julia Brochey makes her vocals count, letting each note absorb the openness and hesitation in the piece.” Jordon Richardson, Seattle PI