Label: Indie
New York is known for many things and one of them is producing some of the most prolific artists in the music industry. From Madonna to Lou Reed, the scope and impact has been immense.
There are hundreds of thousands of performers that never get the recognition or notoriety they deserve. It is the highly competitive and difficult “online” world we live in now that create the odds that weigh so heavily against you. There is a young lady named Denise Donahue, if given the chance, will be like a shooting star. She is 13 Shadows and her self-titled album is a superb introduction to her all-encompassing talents. Her Facebook page says “Music For Vampires” but I beg to differ. If you like rock or industrial rock, metal or bands like Evanescence you will devour this like a blood thirsty creature of the night and if you happen to be an average music fan that likes to rock, you will appreciate it as well. One look at the CD cover gives away the gothic underbelly of what you are about to hear.
This siren can project her powerful vocals over the layers of instruments in an impressive way on 13 Shadows. Denise is a singer/songwriter, pianist, guitarist, producer, not to mention a feline magnet (as described in her introductory one sheet). She has what it takes to make it to the top because she delivers at every turn on this project.
One of the hardest rocking tracks is “Belong” followed by another powerful packed emotionally charged “Erase U.” What I enjoyed most about this music is the complexity and the intensity and the emotion is equally matched by the words. Everything works together like a well-oiled musical machine. I found “Kamera” (check out the video provided) to be the perfect snapshot (no pun intended) of what this talented lady can do with one track. The words and visuals that are shaped either in your mind’s eye by the music alone will take you there. The song is about an obsessed someone taking your soul prisoner through pictures and the warning from the subject of that attention that it simply won’t work. It can be scary and weird, like in a stalking sense; in any event, the music fits the words. Donahue creates eerie and atmospheric sounds and her voice is the added component that pushes everything over the edge.
The album closer “Broken” closes the curtain on one poignant and mesmerizing performance. In fact, I did not hear one dud on this CD. Consistency rules in the music business and Ms. Donahue presents a group of songs that are all linked together lyrically and musically. It is a story of immense emotion propelled by hard driving and sometimes beautiful passages of music.
13 Shadows is a glimpse at talent to be reckoned with in Denise Donahue. Her all around strengths in the areas that matter the most will lead to success, I have no doubt about that. If you enjoy good vocals, sweeping and powerful music accompanied by thought provoking lyrics, then this is worth a listen.
4.5/5 Stars
Key Tracks: Erase U, Kamera, Broken
Tracks:
1.Slide
2.7 Years
3.Descend
4.Out of Phase
5.Kamera
6.Energy
7.Belong
8.Erase U
9.Broken
1.Slide
2.7 Years
3.Descend
4.Out of Phase
5.Kamera
6.Energy
7.Belong
8.Erase U
9.Broken
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Founder Write A Music Review
May 5, 2014
Review Provided By Write A Music Review
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