Fiery 'Faith' spins sultry web

REVIEW
	Normal Faith Burns Hannah Marcus

Hannah Marcus' "Faith Burns"album winds ethereal spirituality through beautifully blended "psychedelic torch songs."

The new release, inspiring and poetic, has lyrics that taste like light rain. The smoldering vocals roll like ocean waves. In a bubbly bath of floating melodies, the album helps to relax and soothe.

Marcus' style is somewhat similar to Tori Amos' or Portishead. Yet, "Faith Burns" has its own smooth chocolate-coated, sultry style.

In some songs, Marcus sings while playing an acoustic guitar or piano with very little background accompaniment. It's as though Marcus were sitting cross-legged on the floor playing live with the acoustic in her lap.

The music also possesses an almost distant quality, as sounds seem to gain their own life.

At other moments, Marcus' deep sultry voice combines with intoxicating lyrics to become hypnotic. Marcus' style can not be pinned down. "Pardon me Mr. Sunrise" echoes with 1940's Jazz and images of Billie Holiday-esque icons singing near the bar piano. Unlike many new releases, Marcus' music drips with honest emotion.

02-17-98