Ghetto Cooking

"Ghetto Cooking takes a number of eclectic styles and mixes them together to create a single coherent album. And while you're usually able to make out what different ingredients The Red Channels throw into their slow burning stew, the album never really strays from the melancholy mood that the dish slowly simmers in. The Red Channels are led by the songwriting team of Ryan M. Block and Elaina Azari. Azari is the voice of the band and her unique vocal provides an eerie backdrop to the dark and dreamy soundscapes that the group specializes in. She's not always singing words though; most of the songs on the album are aided by her ethereal howl that resonates along with the music like just another instrument. . . for the most part the album is a steady cohesive effort by an immensely interesting set of musicians. The album begins with 'I Am in It', a song that allows Azari to show off her vocal ability in the midst of pounding percussion and a calming (yet upbeat) organ. Before the listener is able to get too comfortable with the direction that the song is heading in, Azari's vocal transforms into a reverb filled blur and the instruments build to a thunderous crescendo. It's an open ended adventure of a track. . . Meanwhile 'Tongue' is breathable and expansive. It's a song that allows Block's guitar and other chosen instruments to saturate the wide open spaces that are created. In the distance Azari's ethereal howls are like the far off calls of a siren, beckoning the listener to come closer. One of the most interesting tracks on the album is the upbeat 'Elated', a bouncy little number that replaces Azari's chilling voice with the eerie moans of a harmonica. The key point of Ghetto Cooking is the mood it unwaveringly carries to its listeners. Despite having its upbeat moments, the album is decidedly dire and somber. The Red Channels have obviously mastered the art of low key, enigmatic, atmospheric indie rock. . . the disc will wrap you up in its somber environment and its haunting mood. Throw in shades of folk, world music, and even a waltz and you have yourself one tasty entrée." - Justpressplay.net