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Thursday, June 17, 2010

Sonia Montez - Of Tears And Honey


Sonia Montez - Of Tears And Honey
2009, Radian Records

Sonia Montez is Brooklyn-based singer/songwriter who marches to the beat of her own drummer; both a captive and the queen of her own musically madness. When it comes to music, however, Montez is a subtle and delicate songwriter, dealing in real life and real emotions in soft, subtle guitar-based arrangements that let you see the beauty inside of the everyday pain of existence. Montez shows these qualities in full on her debut EP, Of Tears And Honey.

Of Tears And Honey opens with "Little Jealousy", exhorting someone to stop pining away for a love lost who was no good for them in the first place. It's a lively tune even with its careful approach. Montez has a quirky, soulful pop voice that's full of texture and thoroughly enjoyable. "Red Moon" finds Montez singing as smoothly as Sade with a more emotive and alive feel in a song about taking chances. "Secret" is a profession of love after the fact; after things have fallen apart. The song is full of a mix of hope and heartbreak, and Montez' soprano is put to good use here in a moving and emotive performance. "No Regrets" is a jazzy number ala Norah Jones, with Montez taking on a soulful sound that suits her well. "I Miss You" builds in both emotional and sonic intensity, playing on the archetypal theme of loneliness that pervades Of Tears And Honey. Montez closes with "Heart Symphony", a universal and ethereal lullaby that encourages listeners to get in touch with the world around them.

Sonia Montez is likeable, with a voice that goes down easy and solid songwriting. Of Tears And Honey is mellow and insightful even when it plays with more arcane lyrical fare. Montez continues to grow into a sound that is both distinctive and mature. Of Tears And Honey documents the process, and in doing so shows some of the huge potential within Sonia Montez.

Rating: 3 Stars (Out of 5)


Learn more about Sonia Montez at www.myspace.com/soniamontez or http://www.soniamontez.com/, where you can purchase Of Tears And Honey on CD. Digital versions are available from Amazon and iTunes.

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