Lena Fayre releases “OKO”
Surging Singer/Songwriter Lena Fayre just released a ground breaking 11 song CD entitled “OKO” in 2014. On the heels of a new single “I Am Not A Man” and subsequent video for this robust pop anthem – audiences are getting a sense of this new direction for Fayre and her cutting edge sound pushed the Pop envelope. Much of this has caught the eye of Rolling’s Stone Magazine Featured as a “New Artist You Need to Know.” This is her third release to date.
Exploring all facets of love, from the thrill of the strong emotion to questioning the definition of love and the downsides of loss and walking away, on “OKO”, Fayre dives into the personal struggles relatable to all of us but so intoxicating to the ears. Straight away it’s clear to me the album is an imaginative return to passion filled Hip Hop Pop fused with the better musical touches of today Power Pop, Urban dance and Soulful Singer/Songwriter. But wait – she also delivers a Altrock edge as well. Fayre reminds me of Regina Spektor, A Fine Frenzy, Charlotte Martin, Vienna Teng and Natasha Bedingfield.
In all honesty – today music has many people feeling of bit of soullessness – how appropriate I get a CD by an artist as deadly as Fayre. Fayre is a real jolt to the system – in a good way. The album begins in hooky fashion with the magnificent ‘I Am Not A Man” which is a crisp raid on the senses, laden with hooks and impressive vocal bursts from Fayre. The only surprise is that it wasn’t a number 1 single by now, as it is radio friendly of the highest order. “The Tiger’s Bride” and ‘Everybody’s In” follow and are pleasant journeys through a Pop Passion play of Fayre’s psyche. On “Games” the harmonies beautifying what could have been a dance number. ‘Start a War” and “I am a Soul” should both be singles for that matter and are both exceptional pop songs showcasing Fayre and her band as a moving and grooving unit. “Gold Standard King” has a priceless chorus and an infectious vocal feel. In the end Fayre is a real breath of fresh air and again a shock to everyday musical system presently in place. She is a remarkable vocalist. It’s hard to look cool or mainstream in todays modern world, especially in places like LA. Fayre however pulls it off with remarkable grace.
In summary “OKO” by Lena Fayre is sure to turn your head and your ears and pretty much delivers everything the title implies, and is in itself a breathing 11 Track statement from this California native. Out of the whole album, 4 songs are in the category of brilliant, 7 of them are good, and there are only non I’d find myself wanting to skip in rotation. I wouldn’t be surprised if Fayre continues to get more popular past the West Coast as 2015 unwinds.
Buy “OKO” on I-TUNES: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/oko/id903056265
Ed Jernigan. Approved by Cyrus Rhodes
