Tag: BeautyinChaos

Beauty in Chaos: Dancing with Angels

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Michael Ciravolo and company are back with another deep dive into Chaos- this time Dancing with Angels brings the usual brand of post-punk goodness with an extra treat for those with headphones.

I know every generation thinks theirs is the best. Those of us who are Generation X know the truth. When it comes to music, we are the perfect generation. We grew up through many, distinct and influential musical movements. From childhood to adult, we grew up with classic and prog rock, punk, new-wave, post punk, metal, old school rap, alternative, and nu-metal among many others. I can distinctly remember buying music from each of these genres, both the place and the time. I spent hours waiting on a song to come on the radio so that I could record it on a cassette, probably a TDK. My friends and I gathered around a less than hi-def tv to catch Headbangers Ball or 120 minutes. Music wasn’t passive, it was something we did. We were active participants.

So why walk down memory lane? It’s simple- I’m listening to new Beauty in Chaos- Dancing with Angels. And Beauty in Chaos lands me smack dab in the middle of my love for post punk music that spawned in the early 80s. When I listen to the Cure, Joy Division, New Order, or Beauty in Chaos, it’s like sitting with an old friend you haven’t spoken to in a while. It’s fresh, but with a serious hint of nostalgia and familiarity, like putting on an old worn sweater. Like all good post punk-ish records, this one hits you with tasty riffs and an underlying driving bassline. Some synth added in here and there to add the appropriate atmosphere, and of course the art. Post punk music is about art meets music. And simply put, Michael Ciravolo is creating art.

Dancing with Angels releases on July 24. It comes complete with eight new songs, eight “Halos” and two bonus tracks. A few BIC alumni return on this one: Ashton Nyte, Kat Leon, Wayne and Cinthya Hussey, and of course Michael Rozon behind the scenes. Joining the BIC family for Dancing with Angels are: William Faith and Sarah Rose Faith, Leo Luganskiy, Julian Shah-Taylor, Cynthia Isabella, and Patrik Mata. The album is constructed of one song, one interlude Halo, another song, another Halo, etc with two bonus tracks on the end. For the sake of this review, I will discuss the songs first, the Halos second, and both together as a complete work of art.

As a whole, Dancing with Angels sits comfortably in the pocket that is Beauty in Chaos music. It definitely feels like what has come before, but the big difference here is the maturity. It seems that Michael Ciravolo and Michael Rozon have found their groove and are working together seamlessly. They have a vision that is clear and those vocalists who join fit the mold. Again, Michael has chosen a wonderful group of singers to both write lyrics and deliver them wonderfully.

Dancing with Angels

The first song on the record is Present Tense by William Faith and Sarah Rose. It begins with some guitar distortion before breaking into a driving, melodic guitar. William Faith’s voice is deep with years of experience. It’s perfect for the lyrics- a song about trying to live in the present when the past constantly sneaks back in to rob us of joy. We can’t get back those years; we must enjoy the present. Sarah Rose Faith does an amazing job backing William. During the breakdown, she embraces her best Kim Gordon as she whisperingly demands, “breathe.” Ciravolo’s guitar work here is brilliant, as is Rozon’s mixing. Their partnership comes through loud and clear- this song is seamless and a great album opener.

The second song is The Devil You Know featuring Kat Leon from Holy Wars. This one slows a bit. It’s melodic with the guitar accompanied by synth creating a dreamy affect. Leon’s beautiful vocals are the star here. Singing from the perspective of one who has had to learn that not everyone is genuinely good, has your best interest at heart, or is faithful, Leon’s eyes are opened wide. She is no longer the victim. She sings, “weaponized my kindness, now you’ll feel this pain.” Her vocal performance is sweet, yet haunting, kind of like a “crooked smile.”

The third song on the record is Diving for Pearls. It features Wayne and Cinthya Hussey. It was the second song and video released from the record. (not counting Bloodletting which is a bonus track) This song will pull up a seat next to you, put its arm around you and start a conversation like you are old friends. This is post-punk 80s in the best of ways. Ciravolo hits the sweet spot with guitar- the tone, the notes, the rhythm, the melody. Wayne Hussey provides the main vocals. His voice is full of gravel and memories- perfect to narrate the experience of finally shedding the weight of the loss of someone.

“I’ve been diving for pearls now I’m coming up for air

I’m casting off the chains that dragged me deep

I’ve been swimming ‘round in circles chasing dolphins everywhere

But I’m no longer shedding tears, no more tears shall I weep for you”

Hussey’s wife Cinthya adds the backing vocals here and juxtaposes his voice perfectly. This is the best song on the record and one of my favorite new songs this year.

  

The hits keep coming with the fourth song: Echoes and the Angels. This one features Leo Luganskiy. This is my first time hearing Leo. His voice is beautiful, higher than Hussey or Nyte and perfectly placed on the record following Hussey. This one is softer and slower featuring singular guitar notes rather than heavy chords. The star on this one is the dynamic, snappy drum beat. All build to a beautiful, melodic chorus where Leo shines. This one has an excellent breakdown with some tasty notes from Ciravolo and vocals showing a mighty range.

Kiss Me (Goodbye) is the first song and video released from the album. It features Julian Shah-Tayler of the Singularity Music. Musically, this one sits perfectly on the record with the others. The guitar work is harder, driving and the drums and more punctuated. Shah-Tayler effortless surfs atop the music with a huge dynamic voice- he can hit all the notes and it’s on display here. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the touch of Sonic Youth in this one with the guitar fuzz to the rising guitar crescendos.

The next song is Hollow featuring Cynthia Isabella. This one is slower and has a funky bassline groove that is more pronounced than the other entries. Well placed on the album following a rocker. Of all the songs, this one feels like a poem. Sometimes lines just ring true, there is a phrasing that just HITS. This songs does this all in the context of beautiful imagery. We are truly on a journey of self discovery: trees, hills, time, riding, islands, dark, dreams, the sea, sailors – all in the silence. “Heart sing for me” and “silent and so free.” It’s ok to be alone- we are enough to ourselves. This one is haunting and beautiful.

Holy Ground features Patrik Mata. This one starts slower with some synth tricks followed by Michaels ringing guitar as he draws out the notes. From there, the song sits nicely in a melodic pocket. The real star here is Mata’s vocals- his cadence and flow are dynamic. He effortlessly flows through some dark lyrics.

The final track, prior to the bonuses, is Made of Rain from Beauty in Chaos alum Ashton Nyte. This one is slow and deliberate. The song is heavy and lends itself to Nyte’s baritone delivery. Nyte is smooth as ever as he beautifully croons through verse and chorus. It seems that Nyte has crafted a song about opening yourself to the possibilities, submitting yourself to the path laid before you rather than competing against it. Our nature is rain, but we don’t have to douse our own fires. The “winds did shape the sails while you slept” so let go and embrace it- follow your bliss, so to speak. Another solid entry from Ashton and Michael.

Now, the “Halos.” I would imagine that this concept would be lost on most. Essentially, the eight Halos on this record are a soundscape. Other versions of this concept appear as intros to an album by groups like Slipknot. Trent Reznor of NIN created entire records of texture, nuance and noise called Ghosts. Here, Ciravolo bravely adds a “Halo” between each song. In all honesty, I went into this review listening separately, as if the Halos were simply add-ons. After listening to both multiple times, I listened to Dancing with Angels in its entirety and was surprised that the Halos actually made the album better. It’s not a slight on my expectations from Mr. Ciravolo, it’s just a risky concept. So why did it work?

Michael Rozon at work on Dancing with Angels.

Halo 1 is true musical exploration. I would assume Michael Rozon is sitting behind the computer, diabolically rubbing his hands together as he is given the reins to cleverly mix cool sounds and textures. This, like the others begs for a good set of headphones. I am using my Apple Pro over the ear noise cancelling headphones; this sounds spectacular. My only issue with this first one is that it should have led off the record. What a great intro to Present Tense this would have been.

Halo 2 is vastly different than the first. The guitar work here conjures images of the middle east. In the background are beautiful vocals from former Beauty in Chaos singer Whitney Tai. Her choral effects are haunting over slow, deliberate guitar notes. There are percussive elements that work very well here as well, accentuating the middle east vibe. On its own, it works perfectly, but it also adds such a wonderful intro to Diving for Pearls.

Halo 3 switches gears again. It comes in slow with a few low notes and feedback. The notes rise and fall, gradually building. This one is short, coming in at about two minutes. It truly feels like a song intro, and not something that totally works on its own. Halo 4 comes in with a long tone, lilting guitar notes over the top. This one would not be out of place in an old country western. It was entirely too long. This one at 2:00 would have been much better. If there was a misstep on the albums in terms of Halos, it is three and four.

Halo 5!!! Certified Banger. This is the most unique, riveting piece of music of all the Halos. It begins with muffled saxophone from Psychedelic Furs legend Mars Williams who sadly passed last November. The song repeats a pattern of saxophone bits and haunting guitar notes. It’s experimental and groovy as hell. It comes across as a musical “tag, your it” back and forth between Mars and Michael. And Mr. Rozon needs to be commended for turning the sax into screams at one point near the end of the song.

Halo 6 comes in soft with some noise, some synth, and some catchy notes. Just when you feel that this one will take off, it steps back and digs in deeper to the notes. This one trembles as it progresses. Just when the listener thinks the song is going to do something formulaic, it changes. New sounds, side to side panning. This one is truly a soundscape.

The Michaels- the masterminds behind BIC

Halo 7 begins with some high notes over growing ambient noise. It peels back and then moves forward adding more synth, building. Soft, whispers lyrics appear and then as quickly leave. Some deep kettle-like drums, more soft lyrics. During the song, there are elements that make the listener think it’s going somewhere, achieving a crescendo. My only wish for this one was that it took off near the end. The build up was there; just need a better payoff.

Halo 8 is ambitious. It begins with waves crashing on a shore. Stops, Michael’s guitar kicks in, slowly, deliberately. Slow drum in the back. Tish Ciravolo providing some deep bass in the background. Her bass is subtle and distinctive. Guitar picks up and is ever present amidst the ambient sound and synth. There is a tone on this one reminiscent of David Gilmour that feels like it would fit perfectly on a Pink Floyd record. This one is dreamy and creates a beautiful atmosphere. Another spectacular soundscape with headphones on.

Final Verdict

This is another excellent entry into the Beauty in Chaos family of albums. In many ways, this one exceeds the others. The eight main songs are fantastic. In his usual fashion, Michael Ciravolo chooses amazing people to write lyrics and deliver amazing vocals. He typically finds a gem that I don’t know know. Here, I’m glad to have been introduced to Cynthia Isabella. I love her voice and poetic lyrics. And, I love revisiting old favorites like Ashton Nyte and Wayne Hussey.

Where this record surpasses the others is in its boldness, it’s experimentation. It would have been easy to release the eight songs. They are great and the reception will likely be positive. But rather than fall back on that, Ciravolo and Rozon put together a collection of “Halos.” They are risky. They are experimental. They risk negative comments. I believe they make the record better and add depth and texture. The Halos provide a soundscape mortar that connects each song.

Beauty in Chaos Dancing with Angels will be released on July 24. You can purchase CDs, vinyl, etc at the Beauty in Chaos website.

Beauty in Chaos- a Throwback to Better Times

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As I get older, I find myself saying things that make me realize I’m becoming an old curmudgeon. I’m becoming that guy who claims that things used to be so much better when I was growing up: staying out all day playing, drinking out of hoses, cruising the strip in high school, and actually hanging with friends in person. I realize this and can usually temper my thoughts with the realization that our past colors our current reality. Things are different now; not better, not worse, just different.

One thing, though, that I can say with absolute certainty is that music used to be more important, more tangible. Growing up in the 70s, we would listen to vinyl records. We would pull that disc out of its sleeve, pop it on the turn table, adjust the levels on the receiver and lay on the bed with the insert and read the lyrics while listening to the record. The whole record- the album. Because back then, albums were important. Albums truly were a singular work of art.

Then we moved to the cassette. It made music mobile. (Remember those orange ear pads and the walkman?) We still had cool inserts and lyrics. We still listened to a complete album. From there, the natural progression was to the CD. It was an improvement in sound quality as the cassette would degrade over time. Still, though, it was a tangible piece of music. Everything was important from the music to the packaging.

The cool thing about vinyl, cassettes and cds was that with those came an experience. We would shop at Karma, MusicLand or Sam Goody. As you flipped through the music, a really cool attendant would be playing something that would perk your ear. That would lead to a conversation about music and typically a new band to check out. For me, the best times were those after giving plasma to earn some money. I would stop by Discount Den to look for Imports of my favorite bands. For the kids, an import was a cd of rarities or live music from a band. You would probably find that on YouTube now. But then, it was a hunt for these gems. Something lost on youth today.

All that to say, that music used to be more tangible. It was a thing you held, you listened to, you ingested and you gathered around with friends. The album was an experience: the opener mattered, the song order mattered and the closing track mattered. Music today seems driven by singles with only streams in mind. There is less attention to artwork, concept and a true album experience. For the listener, digital streaming makes it easier to listen, but harder to be involved. Streaming makes it cheaper to listen to music and far more mobile with cell phones. But, of course, that comes with a cost.

For the artist, streaming music in the digital age makes it easier than ever to produce and deliver music. However, in a sea of music, and a pay system that favors the streaming service over the artist, it is more difficult than ever for an artist to make a living making music. So, if an artist is not established, why worry about an album? Why worry about a concept or an album as a work of art? There isn’t much payoff here.

Enter Beauty in Chaos

Has this sad reality stopped Michael Ciravolo, curator of Beauty in Chaos (BIC)? A resounding NO. In fact, Ciravolo has seemingly doubled down. While toying with singles, Michael’s heart is with the album experience. He has worked on his latest release with co-collaborator Michael Rozon for a full year. In regards to creating the album experience, Ciravolo says, “I think it is an age thing.  To me, I always loved the concept of an album.  The liner notes, the deep cuts.  Going to record stores was such an important part of my teen years.  I guess I refuse to let that go.   I know in most peoples’ lives , who seem to have decreasing attention spans, don’t devote the 45+ minutes to hear an album in its entirety.  So, what do we do?  We will cram 76+ minutes on the CD version of “Dancing With Angels”!!!  Ha, that is the punk rock kid in me :)”

In the course of creating these records, the idea of singles did sound enticing. “This is coming from a guy whose first BIC album was a double album!!” Ciravolo explains, “Honestly, before this album, (new album releasing in July), I thought about doing the modern world , and doing single songs, but it just felt wrong and in a way, disjointed and uninspiring.   Will we ever do that?  Maybe,  but it would be only due to my own impatience, not any effort to being part of this Tik-Tok world.  I still love everything about the 12” album concept.  The cover (which was a big inspiration to me on this new record), the lyrics, the liner notes, the track order … all beautiful elements of the 12 inch piece of plastic.”

Those of us in the Beauty in Chaos family are glad he feels this way. We have been the recipients of some really special music. Back in 2018, Mr. Ciravolo and company introduced us to BIC with its first release, “Finding the Beauty in Chaos.” It is a 14 song behemoth featuring amazing musicians. Ciravolo created songs with Robin Zander, Ice T, Al Jourgenson, Dug Pinnick, Wayne Hussey, and Ashton Nyte among others. He followed that with a follow up called Beauty Re-Envisioned, an album of remixes from FBIC. He invited others to play in his sandbox.

Two years later, Ciravolo and company created a seven song album called “The Calm Before the Storm.” Ashton Nyte and Wayne Hussey return here with Curse Mackey joining the family. New comer Kat Leon of Holy Wars really shines here. Shortly after the release, an ambitious Michael Ciravolo issues a 25 song album of remixes based on “The Calm Before the Storm.” I love that he opens his catalog for others to play and give each song a different treatment. There is a maturity and confidence here; clearly Ciravolo believes that his songs are strong enough on their own merit to stand up to alternative treatment. ( A year later, Michael would open all his songs to remixes; they were released under the name “Bonus Re-Envisions.”

A year later in 2022, Ciravolo released his third BIC original album called “Behind the Veil.” This one was unique in that it featured an all female front. Ciravolo worked with his wife, Tish, Elena Alice Fossi, Pinky Turzo, Whitney Tai, and Cinthya Hussey. The album was brilliant and showcased amazing voices. And, as usual, this one followed with remixes on “Further Behind the Veil,” 12 in total. Over the past year, Michael has released a fun Concrete Blonde Halloween remake called, “Bloodletting.” Fun song and video. Following that, Ciravolo released another single called “Kiss Me (Goodbye) featuring Julian Shah-Taylor.

Michael Ciravolo isn’t slowing down. He, and his musical partner Micheal Rozon, have a new album called Dancing with Angels in store for us in July. They are releasing the first single June 4; it’s called Diving for Pearls and it features the talent of Wayne and Cynthya Hussey. If it is any indication of what is in store for us, we are in for a big treat.

Releasing an independent album is a big risk. There are numerous hours and costs that go into producing a piece of art at this magnitude. So why do it. Ciravolo explains, “BIC started as something I needed to do.  To prove to myself (and to a much lesser extent others) that I could do it. It really could have been a one-and-done deal, as ‘Finding Beauty in Chaos’ would not be a bad swan-song! However , Michael Rozon and I do have a blast creating together, and it is still creatively inspiring and rewarding to me. BIC has brought a lot of genuine and talented people into my life.  I also get to make music and videos with my wife!
God willing, I hope to continue to be able to do this …. And to continue to add to our growing BIC family.”

Beauty in Chaos truly is a family affair. Since the release of “Finding Beauty in Chaos,” Mr. Ciravolo has brought us into his family and graciously shared his time on our podcast, Wanderings and Woolgathering Music Podcast. Those involved with his records have joined us as well, all with wonderful things to say about being a part of his project, and by extension his family. If you are like us, a Gen X’er who loves a good post-punk vibe ( you will know it when you hear those guitars), give Beauty in Chaos a listen. Join the family.

Enjoy the new video: Diving for Pearls and some behind the scenes content about the making: Post-Punk.com

Beauty in Chaos is back with “Behind the Veil”

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Beauty in Chaos, the lovechild of Michael Ciravolo, is back with their third studio album, fifth if you count remix records. This time, Ciravolo has chosen six powerful women to helm the microphone on Behind the Veil. Each woman is unique, bringing something entirely different than the others, yet all fit seamlessly on the record. Credit here to Ciravolo and Michael Rozon for creating music to match the muse while keeping the quintessential nuance that is Beauty in Chaos.

Afterlife

The first song is Afterlife, which features Tish Ciravolo on vocals. The wife of Michael, she is a musical powerhouse, playing bass on previous records, writing lyrics and singing my favorite song on this record. Afterlife is built around questions people ask when facing death or thinking about their own mortality. The short questions delivered in slow measured verses crawl around in your brain as the pacing allows the listener to ruminate and connect to the singer. The questions are interrupted by a cool synth breakdown that breaks the pace and signals a change in the singer. As Tish sings we are lead to her conclusion. Perhaps we don’t know what is in the Afterlife, but we can do what is important now: love more people and pray for the rest. Ths song is beautiful and a message that this world needs right now.

The Kiss of the World

The second track is The Kiss of the World featuring Elena Alice Fossi. I recently reviewed that one here.

Not Your fault

The third track on the record is Not Your Fault by Pinky Turzo. Turzo has the most distinctive voice on the record. At first, I was taken aback. It’s so different than the others Michael has invited on. However, after a few listens, I really gravitated to her sound. She sings the mellow verses, beautiful soaring choruses, and soft pre-breakdown whisper with equal passion. The lyrics tell of a person who desperately wants to help another ,but nearly gives up through the struggle. In the end, love wins out:

It’s not your fault

Just look into my eyes

Trust this love you see

It’s not your fault

That you were dealt this hand

Let me take it from you

Pinky Turzo was the perfect choice for this song. Again, Ciravolo’s choices are impeccable on these records.

Orion

The fourth track features Whitney Tai. This was an early release and I reviewed it here.

Open Wound Heart

The penultimate track is Open Wound Heart featuring Cinthya Hussey. As usual, the music is perfect for the song. The guitars drive the tone and mood. But for me, it’s the lyrics all day and twice on Sunday. I love poetry. I love word choice. I love cool word play. I love words that allow me to exist in a moment experienced by someone else. What a way to start a song!

Sunset sets her senses on fire

While Gods and Demons rally to conspire

Screaming scarlet scars

Howling unclad under the stars  

An incandescent soul

Plowing on glowing in an ice cold world  

The stage is set for what is outside of our control. The singer, or protagonist, is at the mercy of a cold world, the gods, or perhaps an unrequited love or love lost. Throughout her struggle, there is a sense of desperation here as: “With her desires undisclosed, she stares and blinks in morse code.” Who will come to her rescue? She is vulnerable and suffers from an Open Wound Heart. Maybe giving in to it all is the answer. Who knows? Eros may have something to say before it’s all said and done. Beautiful song with no clear answers and beautiful poetry.

Grasp the Stars

The final track on the record is Grasp the Stars featuring Betsy Martin. This song has the hardest edge of all the songs on the record. Ciravolo’s guitar is cutting and angry, and even offers a little tasty feedback. Conventional drums here are replaced with drum programming from Michael Rozon. Martin’s vocals are unconventional and work well above the harder edge presented here. She is raw and emotional, belting out the lyrics almost as if she is trying to convince herself that, “It’s not that bad, it’s not that hard- cool down, it’s not that bad.” This song exudes desperation both lyrically and musically. Great album closer.

With the third record, Behind the Veil, Ciravolo has done it again. His core team of Beauty in Chaos is able to switch out the parts over and over again and create new gems. As with the other albums, Ciravolo has invited some folks to create remixes. The remixes can be ordered as part of a 2 CD set. See what the buzz is all about. Go to beautyinchaosmusic.com and place your order now. Music ships on 2/22/22.

Beauty in Chaos – The Kiss of the World

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Beauty in Chaos’ next record won’t be here until February or March, but never fear fellow Chaosians, Michael Ciravolo and the gang behind Beauty have dropped another single to whet our appetites. Back in September, Orion, featuring Whitney Tai, was released. You can find our review here. Yesterday, the second single dropped. It is called The Kiss of the World and features Elena Alice Fossi of Kirlian Camera, among other ventures.

When this video showed up in my inbox last night, I was elated. I love new music and I love to see what our old Wanderings pal Michael is up to. It does come with a little trepidation because I don’t write negative reviews. Someone else can put negativity in the world. I’m independent and prefer to share all things awesome. Lucky for me, I didn’t have to turn him down. Instead, I get to share another gem with the world.

For those who have followed Beauty over the past few years, this will fill that same niche with that hallmark sound that highlights various singers. This time, Michael has chosen Elena Alice Fossi. Fossi is best known musically for her time with Kirlian Camera, a synthe-pop (for lack of better classification) band that has been around since the late 70s. Fossi joined in 1999 and has been with the band ever since. The band is heavily layered with synthe using Fossi’s voice as a bit of an instrument. Fossi can be tender and soft. She can deliver full, rich vocals to compete with the best pop vocalist. She can be angry, with some grit in her voice. And, the band plays with the vocals electronically. If you haven’t listened to them, it is quite an experience. I recommend I Became Alice off of Cold Pills. 

On The Kiss of the World, Fossi uses her full range against a very different background. Beauty in Chaos does use synthe and some effects to create texture and mood, but is much more guitar driven than Kirlian. Beauty is fresh, but does have one foot in the post-punk movement. Those guitar notes and grooves take me back to Disentegration every time. (And that’s a great thing by the way) After a brief musical intro with soft rhythmic drums and simple guitar notes, Fossi begins singing softly, beautifully while delivering biting lyrics. “If I look at you now that mocking wrinkle takes your face. No, it’s not a simple mark of time. It tells me about your crimes…” This juxtaposition works hauntingly. A woman scorned then belts out the chorus. Fossi here hits those high notes and flexes her voice, only to return to a soft verse to continue the story. This back and forth continues until triumphantly our protagonist in the song, opens her eyes, sees the truth and breaks free. It builds in a way that creates tension throughout using music and lyric to its fullest effect.

With Orion and The Kiss of the World, Beauty in Chaos is well on its way to another fantastic record. Somehow, Ciravolo picks the perfect singer for each song. It is truly a gift to not only find these folks, but to get them to commit to the project. You can tell on each song that there is no coasting. And here again, Elena Alice Fossi delivers an amazing performance to a fantastic song.

For more info on Beauty in Chaos head here.

And now your truth is like snow,
it is melting with every step of the sun
Talk, talk Spit out your side of the story again.
Move your arms with your winning look
I’m not falling for that!

If I look at you now that mocking wrinkle takes your face.
No, it’s not a simple mark of time.
It tells me about your crimes,
tells me about a coward, hidden in the shadow of false clemency,
where you trapped the light under the covers of a golden bed.

Shut up for a moment
and listen to the black muse!
Then break the chains around your dome.
Nothing’s the same, no more …

We were so close at that time.
The days were short and the fear seemed gone.
Hey you, do you remember at the rides?
You were talking about how life is a good cake.

I’d have listened to you for hours
but reality roughly came,
changed the cards on the table,
Nothing’s the same, no more

Now your soul is Satan’s fresh meal, your blood his wine.
You fell asleep in the lost maze of the undead,
where you now lie with everyone else.
And your mask has now lost its thickness.

My eyes see the truth now.
Here’s to you the noose you deserve
or break the seal, break the chains, come to my side
and break the flag of the shallowness.
And break the chains, listen to the black muse

The black muse …

Come back to Wanderings and Woolgathering for more music reviews.

Beauty in Chaos – Orion and Happy Birthday

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Michael Ciravolo’s love child Beauty in Chaos is back this week with a new single, Orion. This week also marks the third anniversary of their original release Finding Beauty in Chaos. You can find our review of that here: Wanderings and Woolgathering.

It’s certainly a big week for the Schecter Guitar president, and one worth mentioning for those not familiar with the project.

Michael Ciravolo is known for forming Human Drama in the 80s and later for his time playing guitar for Gene Loves Jezebel. While he still performs with both on occasion, while still managing to run a company, much of his attention now is on his project Beauty in Chaos.

Michael works with his friends like Michael Rozon, his wife Tish, and a slew of artists he asks to participate on the tracks. For me, and the rest of the Wanderings crew, we were thrilled to listen to works from Robin Zander, Dug Pinnick, Ice T, Al Jourgensen and Simon Gallup. But the real beauty of this project is not just listening to our faves, but the introduction to new artists.

I had never heard Ashton Nyte before. After a quick search, I’m suddenly listening to his solo work and his music with the Awakening. Kat Leon has become a favorite of all of us on the pod. We love her voice and her vision with Holy Wars. And, I’ve really come to appreciate Wayne Hussey. He has an wisened, grizzly voice that begs for attention.

So, who does Michael highlight on Orion? It’s Whitney Tai. Tai has two albums: Metamorphosis in 2015 and Apogee in 2020. She has a beautiful voice that soars when needed, but can equally nail the quiet moments. Her albums tend to lean more pop than the usual Ciravolo choices for vocals.

So, what do Ciravolo and Rozon do? They tone down the guitar; it’s subtle here. It gives way to some texture and mood. Tish, too, is dialed back on bass. Instead, they allow Tai’s voice to breathe here and take control of the song. That’s not to say that the music isn’t solid, because it is. Ciravolo provides his usual post-punk guitar sound while also adding a tasty break near the end with percussion moving to the forefront while he provides clean notes alongside. Tai rides the wave here with her lyrical-less vocals soaring above the whole. Great choice to use actual drums rather than electric drums here.  The song works because the Michaels know how to highlight Tai’s talent while playing to the groups own strengths. That is why this project is so successful- great musical choices.

And I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the video. Michael may be the most down to earth guy, but he can still play the music star when he needs to. The video is polished and feels like Hollywood. Great visuals, composition and fog giving way to a first person camera moving through a chess set. Like the song, the video highlights Tai front and center. Song and video are a great marriage.

It’s nice to hear the band back with another outstanding track for what will hopefully be part of their fourth album. What Michael Ciravolo is doing here is worthy of your attention. If you haven’t checked them out, go back to the beginning and listen through to Orion. You will enjoy the ride. For more music reviews, check us out: Wanderings and Woolgathering.