Search - Joy Askew, Askew Joy :: Gorgeous Creature

Gorgeous "Creature"

E. A Solinas | MD USA | 04/04/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Joy Askew is best known for being the sultry vocals of the band Echo, but listeners may find that her solo music is even more engaging. "Gorgeous Creature" is a worthy slice of pop with a dash of country and rock, underscored by Askew's smooth vocals.



It opens with "Rush of Stars," a languid, soft song that brings to mind starlight and summer evenings. That sensibility carries over to the angular "Voice" and gently jazzy "Bring Your Lovin'," which deviate ever so slightly from the typical pop mold. Here there's a bit of jazz, there there's a bit of rock'n'roll, but only traces.



The title song is probably the best, a piano-pop song where both Askew and the piano sound intense and barely restrained. The EP wraps up with a pair of equally good songs: the smooth, jazzy "Third in the World," and the experimental "A Living," where Askew's jumbling singing is overlaid with whispers and odd synth melodies.



"Gorgeous " indeed. The EP has only six songs, but "Gorgeous Creature" somehow feels deeper and better than most pop albums. Rather than going for obvious (and instantly forgettablecatchiness, Askew's music is slow and languid. Basically, this is what pop music should be like.



It's surprising, given the lushness of the sound, that the instrumentation is so basic in this EP. There's some fuzzy synth, a subtle piano melody, and most prominently: Jazzy drums, with some guitar hiding behind them. Somehow the melodies feel a lot grander than the basic lineup.



Gorgeous as the music is, Askew's voice is probably the highlight of the whole EP. A little throaty, very smooth and strong, she can take on the sound of a pop songer, rock vocalist, experimental music speaker or a torch singer. "It's true we need each other/to break free/but I know the word is within me/been a long time since I felt you be kind," she sings in the title track.



"Gorgeous Creature" lives up to its name, with lush pop melodies and beautiful songwriting. Soft and sweet, this is a must have for indiepop fans."