• Past •

[M] Michael Mazochi's Volume 1: Until My Teeth Turn Into Sand ...
(p) (c) 2006-2007 Roving Gambler Records

Michael Mazochi, currently residing in the Los Angeles, CA music scene and with his latest third album, Volume 1: Until My Teeth Turn Into Sand ... presents a masterful musical exploration that sounds of a traveler from present dipping into a bygone era, when the singer / songwriter was king on the charts and in the hearts of the mainstream consciousness. Familiarly original, with a comforting intimacy, and playful feel, Volume 1: … reverberates with the styles of country, folk, blues, and rock along a raw edge of punk / alternative that speak through on occasion. Michael crafts his songs of passion and observational love into a genuine expression of original viewing that ignites the imagination and memories within, like a good old friend visiting after a long absence. Invoking the music styling of Johnny Cash, Nick Cave, and Bob Dylan. Michael rises to the ranks on a sure footing with guitar and harmonica in hand, ready to speak his soul.

Volume 1: Until My Teeth Turn Into Sand ... is a 15 track album that starts out with Introduction, a two-minute instrumental track that sounds like a train traveling down the line on a moon lit evening, entering a world of time spent here and there. Lately I, invites the listener into a joyous romp with chorus and cheers in foreign lands and the friends made along the way. Georgia Line, steps up the pace with steam and a bluesy wailing harmonica, preaching a song of women. The Tide Of Earthly Deed, one of the highlights of this album and a personal favorite with its lush and plaintive voicing that stay with you pleasantly like the company of a dear friend with delicate guitar workings intertwined throughout. The Old Rails, calls to the listener to take notice of the happenings that came before with a straightforward tale of travel through the heartland alone but with many friends along the way. To Set You Free, pleats to heartache and loss with lyrics as "My lungs are wearing lines into my face …" When Will It End, is a rocking observational onslaught with band (the Widows) asking why … "Kids carry guns as they shoot out the sun. So they blacken their ties to the holiest one."

Volume 1: Until My Teeth Turn Into Sand ... is a masterpiece album that needs to be taken notice of and one of the best I have heard in the last few years. Michael Mazochi, is said to be working on composing a rock opera next, an artist to definitely watch and listen for, playing live or in the studio.

- David Leikam (reviewed, 30.01.2008)

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