Mazzy Star can really grab your heart and pull it out your throat. Take Hope Sandolva's wistful voice swimming around in reverb reminiscent of empty dive bars in the Southwest. Combine it with the grungy guitars and wallowing California goth-pop tunes and the result is just so beautifully 90s.
In the 17 years since their last LP, Among My Swan, Sandoval has become a more lucid lyricist. Seasons of Your Day boasts a bolder woman, who has risen vocally from the murk. Her intoxicating efforts rest on the fantastic guitar licks by Mazzy Stars’ other central figure, David Roback. Elements of drums, glockenspiel, harmonica and violin also come out to play in what turns out to be a pretty folksy record. There are thick country threads through the album, which only serves to add to the remarkable sweet sorrow the group serve up.
The classic Mazzy Star sound has developed into something so crystal clear and yet unreachable. As with earlier releases the instruments often feel pulled back into a desolate, hard space and it works to great effect. It’s a cohesively plaintive album that is hard to pluck favorites from and ultimately you want some time to sink into.
