'This English duo have a knack for finding new uses for recycled musical ideas from the mainstream pop world of the late 1960s and early '70s. Classic jazz-inflected Soul combines with bittersweet Burt Bacharach flourishes and Marianne Faithful-style doomed romanticism. Kurvouria's hushed but intense, stylized approach takes a little getting used to (think of the retro Acid Jazz pioneer Carmel), but she comes off as subdued next to Macy Grey. Mood is important here, yet it never overshadows the well-written songs -- Kurvouria really has a knack for pop craft. Too bad Morcheeba already used Big Calm as an album title, because it describes audiobalm's music perfectly.' Nick D. www.listen.com




If raw sex appeal could be bottled and sold as a perfume, the scent would remind you of this lady's voice: smooth as butter, but with just a slight gravelly edge. Kurvouria is clearly a diva extraordinaire. This tune (I Won't Run Away) is a wonderful showcase for her unique and powerful vocal styling. Like a lazy afternoon nap after a particularly exuberant roll in the hay, this is a slow-paced and smoky tune that can't help but move you. Could this song be any more sultry? I think not. From the moment I heard her voice, I could not have turned off this song if I tried. So many aspects of this track are right on the mark. Thankfully, the engineering is outstanding and extraordinarily well-produced. Kurvouria's voice is perfectly captured, which is a particularly good thing; it would truly have been a tragedy if this tune was not as well recorded as it is. But don't think the vocals are the only thing this duo has going for them. The wonderful singing is backed up by sublime instrumentation that is perfectly matched to the tone of the song. Jazz staples like organ, accoustic bass and trap drums combine with a bit of lounge flair in the brass and strings. Very well-conceived indeed. The song structure is also just about perfect -- very approachable and ably constructed. The lyrics are subdued and unpretentious, perfectly capturing the mood of the tune. There are a few nits I might suggest for improving the song, as there always are. First, during the chorus the hat feels slightly off-tempo. Could it be a quantization difference between the subtle swing of the rest of the tune? Also, the chorus/delay on the "when everybody else is gone" phrase felt a touch out of place. Perhaps reducing the wetness of the effect could make it less obtrusive and still keep the idea going. But overall, this is a beautifully executed and well-written piece, by a duo that has a ton of talent. Watch these folks closely: a talent this great has just got to go places. Darrell Wade Burgan www.Gods Of Music.com




Banker's Lady Blue 'Sensual blues vocals...that mellow snuggle in feeling. Beautiful, sad, nostalgic. and yearning. Had to have a double shot.'




DemoDude's Blues Reviews 'What can I say? Just close your eyes and listen to the woman... and tell me you don't hear Billie Holiday in there somewhere. Just excellent! Simplicity! Soul! Spine-tingling. And very blue... This is Kurvouria.'




Shaky Tee Heres something different: Blues and pop from Channel Islands (off the coast of England). Kurvouria is a versatile singer, varying between a Billy Holiday coo and a Janis Joplin wail. Her harmonies are original and spot-on and her partner, Super Crustacean Man, conjures up musical landscapes that bring to mind Portishead at an Open Mike. The combo wont be believed.




More chick divas 'There's something excitingly strange about Kurvouria that leaves me fascinated. The bluesy vocal glissando, the hip-hop beat, the slow but never tepid instrumentals... enticing, and yet, so veryvery odd. Don't miss this band!




Decaffeinated Sage: The Sequel I'm the meanest non-smoker you ever met, but this song ('I Won't Run Away') makes me want to get on a plane, fly to New York City, go to a jazz club and light up a French cigarette while listening to Kurvouria sing.