Drifting Through The Universe, the latest offering by the enigmatic duo Blonde & Grey, is an album that defies the gravitational pull of the mundane, instead choosing to orbit the celestial sphere of pop-rock with a grace and intensity that leaves the listener yearning for more.
Composed of Kathy Olsen and Neil Friend, Blonde & Grey has crafted a sonic tapestry that is as much a reflection of their storied past as it is a bold declaration of their future.
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From the first note, Drifting Through The Universe sweeps you into its otherworldly embrace. It’s a journey not unlike that of the Voyager spacecraft, drifting through the vastness of space, sending back signals of life, love, and loss. Each track is a star in its own right, twinkling with the echoes of classic rock influences like Fleetwood Mac and the Moody Blues, yet shimmering with a distinctly modern sheen that keeps it tethered to the present.
Take, for instance, the forthcoming single, “All The Time,” set to be released in September. It is a song that embodies the quintessence of Blonde & Grey’s sound—ethereal yet grounded, familiar yet innovative. The emotive vocals of Olsen and Friend, coupled with their masterful instrumentation, create a soundscape that is both nostalgic and refreshingly new. The song swells and recedes like the tides, pulling the listener in with its undeniable charm.
Blonde & Grey is not just about the music; it’s about the experience. Before the duo was Blonde & Grey, they were known as Long Time Friend, and that enduring camaraderie is evident in every note they play. Their chemistry is palpable, whether they’re horsing around in the studio or warming up to a special audience during a live performance. This is a band that understands the importance of connection, not just with each other, but with their audience as well.
The album’s closing track, “Down On The Lake,” is a standout, a nostalgic song that feels both expansive and intimate. The flute, wielded with finesse by Olsen, floats like a comet through the mix, adding a layer of timelessness to the song. It’s a reminder of why Blonde & Grey isn’t just another name in the pop-rock realm; they are artisans, crafting emotional journeys that transcend time and space.
Face the Music
Listen to Face the Music on Spotify · Album · Blonde & Grey · 2021 · 14 songs
Throughout the album, various talented guests make their appearances, adding their own unique flavors to the mix, but it is Olsen and Friend who remain the steady heartbeat of the project. Their ability to seamlessly blend the emotive vocals and intricate instrumentation of yesteryear with the freshness of today’s pop-rock landscape is nothing short of masterful.
Blonde & Grey’s music, like the best of journeys, is about discovery. It’s about finding those universal themes of love, loss, and longing in the vastness of the cosmos, and then bringing them back to earth in a way that feels both personal and profound. With Drifting Through The Universe, Blonde & Grey have not only faced the music—they have embraced it, explored it, and sent it into orbit, where it will undoubtedly continue to resonate for years to come.
Clay Burton