Reviews:: Sandro Perri Tiny Mirrors

It's one of those lazy summer days; one where your only goal is to do nothing at all. But as the sun starts moving and higher and higher, you can't escape your own thoughts and they start consuming you. Every pleasant gust of wind and every passing stranger that offers a nonchalant wave or glance just enhances your depression and the beauty of the day just seems to get darker and darker.

That's the feeling I get when I listen to Sandro Perri's incredible Tiny Mirrors. Admittedly, I'm late to the game on this one, as it really should have been a record I embraced last year, but the songs are undeniable. Moving away from his electronic moniker, Tiny Mirrors is Sandro's first venture into heavy lyricism and emotion. To the casual listener the songs might come off as light; daring you to dig deeper and enjoy the horns, wind instruments or piano that twinkle in the distance, but it's the emotion that runs throughout the record that makes it special.

Although I hate to use a cover to prove a point, Perri's take on Everybody's Talkin' is the perfect example. The classic Fred Neil track has become one enjoyed by people as they drive effortlessly down the open road. Despite the subject matter, the song has become synonymous with summer and good times. Perri's reworking strips away any sunshine that you might have expected and the way his voice lingers on words casts a cloud of depression that you can't turn away from.

The folksy tracks like You're The One float by unassumingly, but when you really listen to the complexity of these "simple songs" you are rewarded heavily. Sure, his voice and structure do sound similar to M Ward (which is not a bad person to be compared to), but the way he switches effortlessly from folk to cabaret to jazz prevents you from thinking this talented man is aping anyone.

This is one of those records that really is more expressive and enjoyable than the words that might describe it. The dueling melodies of Double Suicide or the electric shock that pierces the gentle calm of the acoustic guitar and tuba on White Flag Blues are much better heard than simply read about.



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