A smooth and beautiful work that lives up to and surpasses all expectations.

I don't know where it happened first, but somewhere along the line I started hearing a lot of good things about Hungry Lucy. I had no idea who they were, but everybody else seemed to think that they were great, so I wanted to check them out. And I'm glad I did.

Apparitions by Hungry Lucy is an incredible piece of work, smooth, beautiful, and stunning in it's execution. I can't help myself, I think I'm in love.

Starting with Alfred, you're introduced to the Hungry Lucy sound, featuring stirring vocals over minimal beats. Delightful.

Up next is a slow, relaxed, and undeniably sexy cover of Blue Dress by Depeche Mode. I know that this may seem like heresy to fans of DM, but I think I like this version more than the original, as it offers a new air of intimacy that replaces the detachment of the original. Absolutely wonderful.

The track Bound in Blood displays the diversity of the band, being presented here in two radically different versions, the Insomnia Mix which features a faster pace and a little more club friendly sound to it, and the Waltz Lullaby Mix which relies simply on the beauty of vocalist Christa Belle paired with a minimal melody and haunting vocals. Both are equally impressive, and show the depth of the band's songwriting talents to make a song that's so effective in both forms.

It's Ode however that stands out as the album's masterpiece, a tribute to somebody who's passed on from this earth. Heartfelt and emotional, Ode is a touching memory of a loved one. Marvelous, simply marvelous.

... And I hope that's enough to make you want to find out more about Hungry Lucy. All of the good things I've heard are true, and to be honest, they're even better than everybody is saying. Apparitions is a mighty fine disc, and I think your life will be a better place for having it...

rik maclean

This review first appeared in The Violet Collection ezine