Stephen Sanchez releases debut album “Angel Face”
Two years have passed since Stephen Sanchez dropped his debut EP, "What Was, Not Now," which marked a reintroduction to the retro style of lovelorn music. It has also been a two-year journey since his viral hit single, 'Until I Found You,' sent ripples across the globe, capturing the bittersweet essence of falling in love and longing. Sanchez, known for his dreamy vibrato and melodramatic delivery, has even earned the admiration of music legends like Elton John. Now, he continues to explore these emotions in his latest album, "Angel Face," but this time, he has a compelling narrative to share.
"Angel Face" is a rare gem in the world of albums, centering around a specific concept with storytelling at its core. This album transports us to the ambiance of the 1950s and 1960s, immersing us in the romantic tale of Troubadour Sanchez and Evangeline. Sanchez breathes fresh life into old-fashioned blues, ballads, and rock 'n' roll, challenging the notion of being born in the wrong era by delivering pristine renditions of those musical epochs in a contemporary setting.
The album unfolds with 'Something About Her,' the opening chapter of Troubadour Sanchez's yearning for a woman who is later introduced in the subsequent track, 'Evangeline.' In these initial songs, Sanchez eloquently expresses his feelings and desires for Evangeline, even as she is entangled in a love affair with a mobster. The music feels like a time machine, conjuring the spirit of the 1950s, and Sanchez's sincere and enchanting voice assumes the role of the Troubadour, setting the stage for a compelling narrative.
As we delve into 'Be More,' we find Sanchez standing alone on a theater stage, pouring his heart out to an empty audience. This is the moment he unburdens himself, articulating all the words he couldn't bring himself to say to Evangeline. The song serves as the climax of his yearning, as he implores anyone who will listen, clinging to the hope that the woman he loves will fill his heart and not leave him unreciprocated. With every lyric, his voice quivers, and his falsetto reaches the pinnacle of his longing, revealing the fragility of his love. Unbeknownst to him, Evangeline lurks backstage, absorbing every word as Sanchez, like an overflowing vessel, pours out his emotions.
'Shake' takes a sudden turn midway through the album, transitioning from passion to exuberance as Sanchez channels the spirits of legends like Roy Orbison and Elvis in a timeless rockabilly tune that will have your feet tapping. While 'Shake' concludes on a high note, it also marks a turning point in the narrative, signaling that from this point onward, the romance of Troubadour Sanchez and Evangeline will take a downward trajectory.
Following 'Shake,' 'High' and 'Doesn't Do Me Any Good' maintain the classic rock 'n' roll sound, but it's evident that Sanchez is delving into the complex emotions between the characters in his story. At this juncture, both the hero and heroine have acknowledged their feelings for each other, yet the heroine grapples with the constraints of her existing relationship. "You said you'd love me if you could / It doesn't do me any good," Sanchez laments, underscoring the unresolved tension between the Troubadour and Evangeline.
The climax arrives with 'Death Of The Troubadour,' a Wild West-inspired track, where Sanchez delivers his final proclamation of love to Evangeline. He offers only a succinct account of the Troubadour's demise, how he fell victim to Evangeline's mobster lover, and how even in death, the Troubadour's love for her endures.
The story reaches a tragic conclusion with 'Send My Heart With A Kiss' as the Troubadour Sanchez, in the throes of death, beseeches for one last kiss before his departure. He harbors a deep-seated fear that his soul will wander aimlessly, echoing its longing for Evangeline until he is certain that she can still bestow her love. He implores Evangeline for this ultimate favor, hoping it will grant him the peace he seeks. In this elegy, Stephen Sanchez draws the final curtain on Angel Face, encapsulating his grief for the Troubadour persona.
While Angel Face takes us on a journey through the passionate love story of the Troubadour and Evangeline, Sanchez's ability to craft retro tracks that stand alone, infused with contemporary elements, creates an album that resonates with the timeless language of music. With this debut album, Stephen Sanchez forges a fervent path for his musical prowess, leaving us eager to discover what future projects lie in store.
I would give this album 3 out of 4 stars.