"With Our Arms Wide Open We March Towards the Burning Sea"
Another fantastic member of Leeds based label Gizeh, Glissando are a classical-ambient post rock band comprised of Elly May and Richard Knox. May really is the centerpiece; her Kate Bush meets Tori Amos vocals are the real power and emotion behind the music. Knox tends to make the drifting guitar melodies that float along Ellys piano centre. Having witnessed these live I saw Elly encapsulate the audience with one soaring vocal. It is something special when you hear someone with such talent and power. Ignoring the trying-too-hard-to-be-arty title this record has its beautiful moments like 'With A Kiss and a Tear'. They have a real gifted performer in Elly, and her combination with Knox's eerie backing makes for superb listening.Songs like 'Flood' build with evocative majesty and have a simplicity which strikes you at your core. The experimental nature of this music; or the parts where Knox wanders off with his guitar effects (glissando-ing I suppose), can sometimes wear a bit thin though. I just want to hear more of Elly. With our Arms... is a dreamy record of atmospheric heartbreak, and, at its peak it can freeze or melt your heart. But there's some points where it all gets too much, there is an over emphasis on the dramatics and I get a bit bored. But I could listen to Elly all day long. That voice is beauty!
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