Magic Cats and Dogs
Artist: DarZana
Reviewer: Levi Hammock
Magic Cats and Dogs is energetic, soulful and artistic.
Imagine mixing singers Alanis Morissette, Melissa Etheridge, Janis Joplin, and a little of something new, and you have Mama Christy, a soulful and creative artist with a powerful voice.
Originally an acoustic style singer-songwriter, Christy Gilardi (aka Mama Christy) has transformed some her own beautifully intimate music into a soulfully empowering rock format with her group DarZana. Made up of members Mike Dillon (lead guitar), Tim Salas (bass), and John Sheppard (drums and percussion), DarZana has put a refreshing dose of soul and guitar-driven groove into these tracks, which enriches the inspiring words to a powerful level.
“If My Eyes Were Greener” is a song about letting go of seeming personal deficiencies and embracing the person you are. “Would the world be any happier? Would I know more peace or love? Would anything be different if anything were different?” It’s got an up-beat, feel-good attitude and a groovy rhythm section.
The title track of the album is an up-tempo ballad about starting new and falling in love with life. It’s followed by “Tug Boat”, an alt-rock anthem with inventive guitar lines, which is about all people being uplifted together.
“Drip” is a chanting rock song about letting in more love, affirming “Love is moving in and out of my heart like a river.”
DarZana takes the dynamic back a notch in “Meant to Be”, a rhythmic acoustic ballad about divine order, which repeatedly shifts to a bluesy B-section.
In short, Magic Cats and Dogs kept me engaged all the way through. It has an imaginative blend of unique vocals, rocking guitar lines, a tight rhythmic section, and a soulful vibe that all serves to elevate the inspiring lyrics.
