Songs: Ohia is Jason Molina. His lyrics and unique vocals make the band.
That’s not to say the delicate, minimal music on this record is bad – far from it. The thoughtful strums on opener The Black Crow play as excellent build up to Molina’s first words on the record. This is perhaps the most epic track on the album with some of his best vocal work…the emotion in his voice during lyrics such as “a dead crow calls out to his wings, “we were lightning across the whole world” and “I’m getting weaker/I’m getting thin/I hate how obvious I have been” is beautiful. The next couple of tracks, The Tigress and Nervous Bride feel much less epic, but just as beautiful, continuing with Molina’s voice dancing over invokful guitarwork. Taken from the album “The Lioness”
Being In Love is one of the most beautiful songs I’ve ever had the privilege of hearing. As if his vocals, at their best, singing of bittersweet tragedy weren’t haunting enough, the use of an organ in this track makes it even more melancholic. This is the kind of song that could be on the soundtrack to many people’s lives. “Being in love means you are completely broken,” he sings hopelessly, making you die inside. The song continues on, with the organ aiding his crys. If lyrics like “We are proof that the heart is a risky fuel to burn” and “If you stick with me you can help me/I’m sure we’ll find new things to burn” don’t give you goosebumps then you have a heart of stone.
If any song on the album is given the job of following that aural delight then The Lioness is the best choice. Coming to life with hopeful melody that counters the depression in the previous track, this is perhaps the track you’re most likely to sing along to. The songwriting, is of course, on top form here,
The Fat Angel Sings 