!BlurMyEyes by Aaron Roche

!BlurMyEyes is the lush song-cycle from composer, performer, and multi-instrumentalist Aaron Roche. Described by the artist as “a sort of musical study in ceremony,” the EP reflects a vision that is both sweepingly ambitious in scope and refreshingly unpretentious. Roche manages to weave together threads of classical composition, lo-fi drone, psych-folk, noise and R&B into a singular emotional statement. The album features a number of musical collaborators, including the prolificR. Stevie Moore (with whom Roche regularly tours) as well as world-renowned composer/musician Shahzad Ismaily.

!BlurMyEyes opens with “Death Is All Around”, a slow burner that introduces Roche’s easygoing vocals up against the stirring, soaring voice of gospel singer Yolanda Moore. Gentle horns and subtle sound textures follow on “Etude” before Roche eases into “Trash,” a garbage-strewn vision of the Florida Everglades featuring Nashville legend Patty Lemay (Spiritual Family Reunion). “Wafflehouse” draws its inspiration from Gabriel Fauré’s setting of the Roman Catholic Mass for the Dead as heard through the weary ears of a waitress at 2AM. This mystic vision leads us into the album’s title track, “!BlurMyEyes”, which blends euphonious symphonic music with discordant juxtapositions of harsh noise.

The EP closes with “Cyclocardoray”—a word invented by Roche that mystically protects against tornadoes, heart attacks, and all things terrifying. An airy swirl of psych-folk, sailing strings and R. Stevie Moore’s fluid vocals and guitar bring !BlurMyEyes to conclusion on a note that feels hopeful and serene.

Aaron Roche is a school teacher and on occasion, a musician.

figureightrecords.com
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