Invisible Ones

Just as Azure Ray were building a solid following and finding their musical footing, the duo of Maria Taylor and Orenda Fink decided to go their separate ways in 2004. Fink got busy in a hurry and continued to work with her longstanding O+S project, released this debut solo album in 2005, and got further work with Art In Manila. Much like the finest works of Azure Ray, Invisible Ones flexes its musical muscle in the darkest of spaces. “Leave It All” begins things with a spooky whisper, while the piano lurks like a hypnotic agent as the harmonies coalesce for the chorus of “Invisible Ones Guard the Gate.” Haunted bedroom folk music turns to full-out stadium rock for the chorus of “Bloodline” where again Fink piles the harmonies for ominous effect as the pop hooks kick in. “Blind Asylum” ticks with a multitude of stringed instruments being plucked alongside the chamber-pop vocals. “Les Invisibles” adds a tribal feel as the rhythms tuck under the acoustic guitar and flute. “Miracle Worker” recalls early-‘60s chanteuse pop with its gorgeous melody wrapped up in spacy effects.