Lost In Translation by Senona

But it was a shared musical vocabulary that gave birth to their sound. After an unfulfilling stint as a member of a girl group (Arista Records), Lead singer Chrys Senon decided the time was ripe for a more edifying musical career. Already a prolific lyricist, composer and pianist, Chrys developed a body of work which reflected her life experiences, intensely personal, and always wholly and ironically human.

In December 2003 Chrys had approached friend and music manager Ian Burke, who had been following her career, for some direction. "I remembered what he told me, he said, "you're no Sarah McLachlan or Norah Jones. You're too funky to be crying at a piano,..." recalled Chrys.

They knew they needed a band, and one that could support Chrys' lyrical chops and virtuosity on the piano. Their prayers were answered through a posting on MySpace. Guitarist Justin Starks and Bassist Brian Thomson showed up during the open audition. As soon as the band plugged in their instruments and started playing the music, it was love at first track. Drummer, Brian Weaver, was referred by producer, Jason Andrews. This serendipitous happenstance resulted in the band Senona.

The members found a musical kinship in one another, with musical wits matching. Each member of Senona had been classically or formally trained in music. Justin, (J. Starks) attended school at the Atlanta Institute of Music, where he met Brian Thomson (BT). In fact it was Justin who brought Brian to the first audition. The two musicians had a musical rapport and jammed together regularly.

Senona's EP, Lost in Translation, is a testament to each of the members' comfort and mastery of their medium. Together, they have forged a beautiful and sonically standout sound. "Only Girl" delivers an infectious arrangement of pulsating drum beats, rhythmic guitar movements and cadenced, stylized vocals. This layering of guitar driven pop/rock is effervescent and fun, despite its bittersweet message of unrequited love. Chrys flexes her piano muscles over the impeccably tracked title, "Only Blame Me," a tribute to the unexpected wonder of a second chance, with oneself.

Jason Andrews produced "Lost in Translation" for the band, and was instrumental in the album's gorgeously arranged tracks. Lost is an audiophile's dream, chockfull of guitar riffs that cut like a jagged knife, drums that send you dancing and vocals that soar and navigate gracefully through an incredible soundscape.

Average Customer Review: