The Mirror Reveals Reviews: Frames of Teknicolor

Frames of Teknicolor

Track listing:

1939 » Confined » Moebius Stripped » In a Box »
Dreaming of Myself » In a Memory » The Undying Man » Frozen in Time

Reviews:

Wrapped In Wire

The Mirror Reveals is Kit Messick (vocals) and James Babbo (instruments). The music delivered here is rather ambient with a cold beauty to it. Acoustic guitars are up front, while light keyboard melodies float in the distance. Kitt carries the songs along with her beautiful singing. Each word she speaks is like poetry. The songs here are of a very high quality. The music has a very soothing feel to it that makes it perfect to relax to. If you like mellow goth music with quality female vocals, this CD is something that you should definitely check out.

Aquarian Weekly

By far one of the most impressive pieces I've heard this year so far. A somber invite to lyrics that grasp you and the instruments that simply compliment the whole of each track. Created entirely by James Babbo (also creator of NYC's HELLPOP), this album reaches inside you. In addition, it's another notch for independent label Middle Pillar of NYC for yet another new release. This release by Babbo also includes a ring of some of NYC's musicians such as Bryin Dall, Kevin Dunn, Kit Messick, Mark Steiner and Derek Rush among others. A beautiful combination of mind-stirring songs with overlapping reverb and delay through the weaving of the minor plucked chords. Contact Middle Pillar @ www.middlepillar.com to purchase this and other classic underground music. - SF

Back Again

THE MIRROR REVEALS´ album “Frames Of Teknicolor” is the perfect album for calm autumn evenings by candlelight and it is a very typical release for the label Middle Pillar. The music is mostly acoustic, slow, relaxing and sometimes ambient with fairylike vocals of Kit Messick. Often it has the same atmosphere as bands like Black Tape For A Blue Girl or Love Spirals Downwards. TheArt Nouveau-like artwork is very special and unusual for a Gothic/Darkwave release, but looks really great. If you like the Cocteau Twins “Victorialand” album or the calm tracks by This Mortal Coil, you are right here. (A.P.)

Daogbert's Revenge

In Frames of Teknicolor, The Mirror Reveals combines a progressive flavor with strains of medieval castles wavering in the background of a foggy seascape. A sweet voice of experience floats through this fog, found in the form of lead vocalist Kit Messick, who possesses---for wont of a better term--the voice of an “old soul”.

At times, it sounds like you’re floating through the soundtrack of a druidic wandering through ancient ruins and fields of fresh-bloomed flowers fed by tears. Bittersweet is the best way to characterize these haunting melodies, that with each new listen, seem to grow on the listener more and more. Messick is the glue that binds the musick together, and guides its unique direction, as she weaves her tales in a subtle fashion in this stunning collection of dark torch songs. With that being stated, let it be noted that songwriter James Babbo is the brain thrust behind this venture, and Messick the musical soulmate who interprets his lyrics and melodies.

The Mirror Reveals seems to be exploring subconscious territories, which can take on many meanings and moods. At least that’s my impression of the songs found on Frames of Teknicolor. Many of which feature Babbo’s haunting guitar stylizations that remind me, at times, of Jimmy Page’s more mellow moments on Houses of the Holy.

One after another--in Frames of Teknicolor--the songs reach new levels of meaning to the listener, and each successive song builds upon the next, creating a running thread of bittersweet imagery cast against a fog light in the distance, leading the seeker back home, through the mist of self-realization.

Darker than the Bat

James Babbo and Kit Messick have thought about every note and no words can describe how beautiful this music is. Originally conceived as a project to add a track to Middle Pillar's debut compilation CD, What Is Eternal, The Mirror reveals has blossomed into a fully realised group. For the compilation CD, James, wrote "Let All The Poets Sing" featuring Alexandra Philips on lead and back up vocals. Alexandra was unavailable and that waswhen Kit stepped in. The raw recorded tracks were mixed and sculpted into their final form by Bryin Dall and Derek Rush of A Murder Of Angels. The result is a dark cinematic space, created by effects and electronics and inhabited with warm melodies.

Their music is conceived as a work of art, a broad canvas where beautiful female vocals and haunting melodies are the paint and dark emotions are the subject of the piece. Each shimmering melody invokes an emotion through a sultry voice that brings the poetic lyrics to life. Mark Steiner (Piker Ryan's Folly) appears on guest vocals for The Undying Man. His Performance with Kit shines on the fairy tale, which is inspired by Tolkien's poem, Beren and Tinúviel. This really is music for the romantic souls. If music could be compared to a fluid, this would definitely be champagne.

Delirium Magazine

The Mirror Reveals - Frames Of Teknicolor (Middle Pillar) Kit Messick has a lovely voice and the transcending music of The Mirror Reveals gives the vibe of one brimming with innovative and emotive charm. James Babbo responsible for all the lyrics and music compositions lends his vocal talents to "Dreaming Of Myself" giving the song an infectious melody and elegant mood. The beauty of the music is evident on all the songs. The Mirror Reveals create music that is alluring, sombre, romantic, serene and melancholic. Kit wonderfully uses her sultry voice to bring the words to life. Frames Of Teknicolor is a superb release and one to cherish for many years.
-Luna

Dragon's Flight

This is what I would call ethereal goth with touches of darkwave moments. The Mirror Reveals plays to the mellower side of this style – not a bad thing. The female vocals are lush and lovely and the music flows along nicely in the background. The main tool here is the guitar going for that very Cure/Newer Mission sound. Fans of the ethereal goth pop scene should really check this out. It’s a strong release.

Edge of Time Magazine

I would call "Frames of Teknicolor" dark musical poetry or (stylistically) romantic ethereal. The Mirror Reveals is a project created by songwriter/lyricist James Babbo, later empowered with vocalist Kit Messick. Her beautiful, a bit cabaret-like singing manner, helps to create a very interesting 30s style atmosphere that some people prefer to call "torch song." The listener doesn't drown in complex structures, but this truly minimalistic music express poetic emotions even better than many of more twisted ethereal songs. Maybe my comparison will be too drastic, but the atmosphere on some songs here remind of trip-hoppy Portishead.

The Mirror Reveals is darker, but similarly dreamy and melancholic. The Mirror Reveals might not appeal to those who prefer really dark music, but those who enjoy non-banal romantic music will surely like it. Highly recommended. (AO)

Flexeuropa

The Mirror Reveals' music is highly influenced by ethereal 4AD bands such as the Cocteau Twins, but it is not a mere clone of their sound, unlike some of the lesser bands on other, more well-known labels. The band consists of James Babbo (songwriter and musician) and Kit Messick (singer), the latter formerly of Unto Ashes. Bryin Dall and Derek Rush, both well-known members of the NYC dark music scene, also contribute to shaping the sound of the music. The songs that feature a mix of female and male vocals add variety, something that is often lacking in this genre. A good debut which should be appreciated by all lovers of ethereal music with female vocals.

Informatron

THE MIRROR REVEALS: Frames Of Teknicolor from the independent label Middle Pillar is a collection of dark torch songs brought to uncertain life by delicate female vocals that awaken the senses. The album's title, Frames Of Teknicolor, refers to a line in the opening track, 1939, a reflection by the voice of the piece comparing her life to the golden age of cinema. The title also refers to the album as a whole, each track being a dark poetic tale, a seperate frame in the overall film. The songs weave these tales over ethereal yet hauntingly minimal atmospherics. Each shimmering melody invokes an emotion through a sultry voice that brings the poetic lyrics to life. The Epilogue is the beautiful Frozen In Time, a haunting ballad that explores the phrase 'what might have been' through piano, guitar and enchanting female vocals.

Highly recommended - the webmaster's current favorite working music.

Legends magazine

Frames of Teknicolor, is cerebral as well as ethereal and maintains the premise of memory as a photograph in many guises. Lyrically, many can interpret and imbibe the full meaning through this subtle jarring of recollection in solitude. Despite the lack of any "spooky" sounds, this work is no less hellish in that it causes the astute listener to reflect upon the quiet introspection that is musically delivered. Sadly, many today tend to make a mad dash throughout their lives and not reflect upon the emotional chasms that some choices will provide. If you are the type of listener who really enjoys deep lyrics and expert ethereal sound, do not hesitate to obtain a copy of this disc before it is out of print.

musicsbottomline.com

With an artistic and musical lean toward the worlds of J.R.R. Tolkien, The Mirror Reveals debut CD, FRAMES OF TEKNICOLOR, is a refreshingly new direction for a ‘darkwave’ band. James Babbo contributes all lyrics and music while Kit Messick, with her solid background in cabaret / burlesque singing, provides delicately haunting vocal stylings. The Mirror Reveals is stylistically a progression of the darkwave sounds from the late 80’s and early 90’s. Fans of bands like Faith and Disease or Black Tape for a Blue Girl will really have an appreciation for this release. Very nice black light music. Recommended.

Outburn Magazine

The Mirror Reveals is the duo of James Babbo (one of the founding members of the Middle Pillar Presents label) and Kit Messick. Musically, the eight tracks on this fine release reside in a place in which time stands still, and the possibility of fantastical intrusions (what secrets does the mirror reveal?) is ever present, but always beyond lucid confirmation. As decreed by the lovely, shimmering dewdrop, morning sun slicing through the trees, finger-picked guitar lines, the music is swathed in a mood of beauty, but the beauty in question is of a slightly esoteric, chimerical origin. Kit's blown glass vocals (deceptively strong-she honed her skills on the NYC cabaret circuit) seem distanced from the contemplative lyrics, but the impression is not a criticism, more a comment on approach. An approach that works within the illusory confines here. The inclusion of Bryin Dall and Derek Rush (A Murder Of Angels) in the shaping of the sounds, astutely tinges the sonic textures with a charcoal hue.

The Sentimentalist

Soft strains of heartbreak and soul searching shine throughout this eight-song debut composed by band member James Babbo. Carefully-placed ethereal details and the soft vocals of Kit Messick are warm and flowing. Additional instrumentation provided by Bryin Dall and Kevin Dunn (of Loretta's Doll) and Derek Rush (of Dreams Into Dust and LD) lends the work its rich layers of atmosphere. The CD cover includes two well-known works of Alphonse Mucha in all their splendor, a perfectly moody backdrop for these subtly revealing songs.

The Mirror Reveals release of "Frames of Teknicolor" is a classic ethereal collage of beautiful delicate male and female vocals surrounded by dark whirling guitar melodies. The album is more guitar oriented and the use of their guitar style is highly effective. Kit Messick's voice shows us a very sophisticated performance emerging from under the guitar and a few cymbal crashes. This is a very inspiring album for all fans of Ethereal music and sure will do wonders for some of us.

Sordid MagAZine

This CD is a masterful collection of atmospheric tracks that floats blissfully through the consciousness without once putting a foot, or a note, wrong.

StarVox Webzine

This is unquestionably one of the most moving albums I've heard this year. A great album is like a great movie. Special effects can often redeem pedestrian movies, this is also true of albums at times. It is the rare movie, and rarer album that addresses the viewer - listener on more than the most superficial level. This is just such an album. It is articulate, and rife with the melancholy poetry of experience, and increasing awareness. Kit Messick's (former Unto Ashes vocalist) voice wraps itself caressingly around James Babbo's words, and the music responds as any lover would.

"Frames of Technicolor" is a work of uncommon skill, and passion. "The musician, like the mathematician, lives in a complex but tractable realm. it is vast, airy, and metaphysical, but in it his intelligence can freely function, and his faculties can find their peace." I have listened to it countless times now, and enjoy it more with each listen. I think many of you may respond to it as well.