It’s been far too long since Hope Sandoval’s voice was on a full album. While she’s been collaborating with other bands to fill the time, it’s been eight years since her debut release, Bavarian Fruit Bread. But now, everyone can fall asleep gently to new sounds, thanks to the quietly gripping Through The Devil Softly.
As classy as ever, Sandoval finds a way to soothe and intrigue at the same time. Singing once again with her band, The Warm Inventions, she lends her tender vocals to a mix of wafting acoustic lullabies and velvety jams. In the opening "Blanchard", her voice coasts on an acoustic guitar as if it’s a magic carpet on the wind. The group adds a twist with the dark, Verve-esque track "For The Rest Of Your Life", where Sandoval slides down melodic slopes with a hazy inflection. Careful percussion and flickering guitars guide the rest of the album while Sandoval enchants the listener with unfair ease.
Easily one of the best voices of her generation, Hope Sandoval firmly puts her stamp on the music world yet again on her second solo album. Her delicate delivery is almost instantly recognizeable, and many will continue attempting to copy her.
