Miracle Flair – CD Review
Angels Cast Shadows

CD Info
2016
Massacre Records
12 Tracks 1 Bonus Track
English Lyrics

Miracle Flair is a Swiss band made up of the talented Nicole Hartmann, who sings vocals; Daniel Maurizi, who plays guitars; Jonas Lüscher, who plays bass; and Cédric Bron, on drums.

Angels Cast Shadows is the band’s sophomore album following the critical success of their debut Inner Peace of Mind. This release was produced by musician and legendary producer Tommy Vetterli, (Coroner).

This is a good album full of solid rockers including: the title track, “Angles Cast Shadows”, “Embracing the End”, and “Alive”.

“The Unfulfilled” features a wonderful soft opening that really highlights Hartmann’s voice. Unfortunately there are not enough of these moments on the album.

Hartmann’s best vocals and lyrical expression is found on “I Am Your Truth”. Some of the albums best lyrics fill this song.

“Soul Witness” blends beautiful keyboard sounds with Hartmann’s enchantingly soft vocals, which later increase in volume and power.

“Challenge My Faith” opens with the most powerful guitar jam, supported well with deep bass and rocking drums.

“Still Remaining Part” opens with a very cool keyboard sound before the machine shop sound of guitars, bass, and drums pound out their familiar chorus.

“Worth the Flight” has a wonderful different guitar opening, which was a nice surprise and change in sound from the machine shop electric guitar, heavy bass, and pounding drums which dominate this album.

Half way the album, it begins to sound like a buzz or chain saw obliterating all the surrounding melody. The smashing of drums, deep bass and heavy electric guitar begin to sound like a metal, machine shop drowning out the power of this band’s performance. They have a wonderful female voice that is being hidden by the overwhelming sounds around her.

However, the best song on the album is the acoustic version of “I Am Your Truth” which closes the album. You have to wait until the end, but finally, you can hear the talent and capabilities of this band in its pure, raw sense without the machine shop. The true power of Hartmann’s voice can truly be appreciated.

My suggestion, though I know they will not follow it, is to scrap the machine shop sound and play to your enormous talent as acoustic musicians. I would have probably loved this album even more if all of the songs had been handled like the closer.

I just jumped off the bandwagon, after initially enjoying the first listen to the demo; until they heed my warning and differentiate their sound from the metal shop sound that pervades this album. Try some choruses, more keyboards, and added instruments. After a while, what sounded powerful and strong, begins to sound monotonous.

7/10

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