So please understand when I don’t answer the phone.

I’m going to take you back to a very classic and very solid band who I had the chance to see last night in Philadelphia over at Johnny Brenda’s; Azure Ray.

This indie duo consists of Maria Taylor (who I will absolutely swear by) and Orenda Fink.  Back in the early 2000′s they were pushing out release after release and were involved with Saddle Creek when they were at their peak popularity when Bright Eyes were big.  Since after 2003, the band has been relatively quiet while Maria and Orenda explored their own solo careers (which I highly recommend).  So, you can obviously see how excited I was earlier this year when I heard word of a new album in works and then to catch them last night on tour was icing on the cake.

Azure Ray is a delicate sounding band.  The instruments almost never get in the way of the vocals or the message the lyrics are trying to convey.  I had no idea what they were going to sound like up on stage in a smaller, intimate venue in front of a crowd.  I was so used to hearing them through my headphones studying in college or peppered on playlists meant for relaxing.  The show itself was pretty seamless…they moved from one song to the next, switching instruments multiple times along the way.  Halfway through Orenda starts talking to the audience and is asking for a little more energy; even asking if everyone was wasted (which wouldn’t be far from the truth anyway, girl next to

me was tanked).  To be honest, I think we were all just in

awe of seeing this amazing pair back playing music again.  At the very end of the show Orenda invited some fans to come on stage and sing along which was pretty fun to watch as well.

All in all..great show, couldn’t be more content.  Azure Ray has come out with a great new album, Drawing Down the Moon, and along with providing some new songs from that I don’t want you all to lose sight of their roots.  Azure Ray has found a way to keep their craft over their 5+ year hiatus of writing excellent nostalgic, emotional lyrics mixed with simple and sparse harmonies.

Don’t Leave My Mind – Azure Ray Drawing Down The Moon

Make Your Heart – Azure Ray Drawing Down The Moon

November – Azure Ray November

Sleep – Azure Ray Azure Ray

As always, right click and enjoy.

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