Ferry Music

To the delight of fans, former Roxy Music frontman Bryan Ferry has released his first solo album, Olympia. Roxy Music’s last album was way back in 1982 with Avalon and his fans have waited a long time for a new release.

The glam rock band Roxy Music had a good run in the ’70s and early ’80s. They helped influence the British punk scene as well as new wave artists. Bryan Ferry carries on the Roxy Music sound with his solo album, Olympia. It has the dark, sexy new wave sound that he is known for with a few uplifting tracks for balance. The long moody passages and experimental elements sink deep into your psyche.

Bryan’s low, strained vocals make the songs spooky and emotional while raspy howls combined with bizarre, even sci-fi, sound effects create a moody atmosphere. Bryan’s electronic effect mastery combines with psychedelic guitar chops to create a stellar piece of work. Slow piano pieces, trippy wah-wah guitar, heavy bass, and organ add to the ambiance. “Reason or Rhyme” has a slow beat, beautiful minor key piano, and heart-wrenching lyrics. Some songs like “Heartache By Numbers” have a more upbeat and uplifting feel. “Alphaville” features funky bass and guitar lines. Bryan’s lyrics “Hungry for your lies” show his love of self-deprecation.

Bryan’s experimental and eclectic style exudes sexiness on Olympia. He softly carries the listener through the dark lows and blissful highs of the album with grace. Fans of Roxy Music will not be disappointed.