Album Notes

"The Miracle Line" is a mature follow-up to the critically acclaimed debut cd "Dreams & Revelations." The cd is self-produced and contains songs spanning the style gamut; jazz-inflected ballads, funky blues, progressive-tinged rockers and the band's signature "dreamy elegant pop" are well-represented. The band features vocalist/lyricist Irene Lambrou, pianist/guitarist/composer Patrick Robinson, jazz fusion bassist Glenn Marrazzo and drummer/percussionist Shane Fogleman. MEDEA has been featured on WXPN Radio's Philly Local Live and has been performing compelling live shows to growing audiences in the region since 1998.

"The long awaited follow-up to Medea's debut album Dreams & Revelations is their latest album entitled The Miracle Line. A blend of accessible melodies and modern progressive rock the album is certain to appeal to fans of October Project, Second Story and Grey Eye Glances to name a few.

Indeed the album has a brighter texture right from the opening and highly accessible title track. "Orianna" is more acoustic yet it is vocally intense and evocatively sung. We were quickly reminded of the similarity to Second Story who hail from the same region as Medea. Vocal harmonies are lush and recorded well atop lush keyboard washed instrumentals. The first standout from the album is certainly "Garden of Sleeping Love." The track brought back instant memories of the band's debut album in its construction, especially the interplay between piano and bass in the arrangements. Irene's almost sultry lead vocals soar above the arrangements wonderfully and the harmonies in the chorus clearly the singer's virtuosity. We especially enjoyed the piano solo during the bridge.

A significant change in texture arrives with "Not the Man (Medea's Blues)" which as the title suggests is a bluesy number. Well played piano, bass guitar effects and electronics work well to back the lead singer's evocative delivery. A thick bass line and crisp percussion provide the almost R&B texture to "Better Look." Irene's pure voice sounds great in the lead and layers of backing vocals. Continuing to build the sound is the electronically oriented "Crawling Floor" which is certain to appeal to enthusiasts of Mermaid Kiss (feature). The longing in Irene's vocal delivery during the verses is complimented by a richly arranged and brighter chorus.

"Burn" is a gentle rocker with arrangements dominated by the crisp texture of the percussion and electronics. It's the power and accurate delivery of the vocals here that continue to illustrate her skill, especially as the lead soars extended notes in the dramatically delvered chorus. The short but highly accessible and radio-friendly rock track "Fear" is lushly arranged with acoustic and electric guitar feverishly competing for attention between the vocal passages. And so we don't forget the band is really a progressive outfit, they use mandolin string sounds in the art rock textured ballad "Sun Shines," highly reminscent of the band's sound on the debut album.

The traditional rock track "Save Me" shows off Irene in her most sultry voice while the rest of the band get off with vast guitar and keyboard excursions. When played on stage this tune must really get the audience going. The album concludes with the soulful "In My Soul" and a two-minute mystery tune buried in the eleventh track. Evocatively performed, we are left with a lasting positive impression of Irene Lambrou's exquisite vocal work. The piano work is equally tremendous.

Says Irene, "The hidden track is called 'Try.' Pat's lovely music worked perfectly with lyrics I had, and although the idea didn't develop into a complete song before the end of the recording process, we loved it too much to let it fall by the wayside." It's precious and a lovely conclusion to the album.

As with their debut album Dreams & Revelations, this latest offering from Medea, The Miracle Line, is a tremendous album and well worth a trans-Atlantic journey. The album is available from links within the band's website or from CDBaby here. Check it out and order your copy today. It is indeed a must listen!"
-Musical Discoveries


"Local new-agey rockers Medea have a new album out. The Miracle Line has a clean, folky, XPN vibe, full of ethereal lyrical ruminations and layered harmonies. Like the Nields on Zoloft..."
-Pat Rapa, Philadelphia CityPaper


"The nicest ballad-band in town? That could be Medea, whose dreamy but sinister electro-jazzy folk, heard on their new cd, The Miracle Line, hits Tin Angel June 12..."
-A.D. Amorosi, Philadelphia CityPaper


"...sophisticated..."
-Jonathan Takiff, Philadelphia Daily News


More about MEDEA...
The Philadelphia Inquirer: "Medea plays dreamy elegant pop highlighted by the burnished alto of lead singer Irene Lambrou."

The Philadelphia Daily News: "Fronted by the throaty, dramatic thrush Irene Lambrou, Medea will put a spell on you with their dreamy music I'd dub 'goth-elegant.'... Lush keyboard flourishes, buzzy Jorma Kaukonen-style guitar and a slick rhythm section add to a production sheen so finessed a major label could put out this set with pride. Fans of classically-influenced popsters such as October Project, (early) King Crimson and Renaissance will like 'em. So, too, will devotees of Heart, Indigo Girls and Sade. Grade: A."

Songwriter's Monthly: "Irene is a captivating vocalist. Her sultry vocals heat the music to a passionate degree. The musicians ride her waves creating an album rich in dynamics."

Get Fancy Magazine: "They are absolutely enchanting, with ethereal, mesmerizing music providing the background to singer Irene Lambrou's amazing vocals."

GoGirlsMusic.Com: "A searing lounge act piano/vocal duo has met a rock 'n' roll rhythm section, and the result is undeniably magical."

Indie-Music.Com: "This is gorgeous...These songs will make you dream, and you'll be led barefoot along cobblestone streets in the fog...Don't try to categorize it. Just listen and feel."

Bucks County Courier Times: "Medea has crafted a sound that deserves to be heard: a mesmerizing blend of rock, pop and jazz highlighted by mystical lyrics and Irene Lambrou's alternately sultry and haunting vocals."


GodsofMusic.Com: "I'm in love! Everything is perfect, from the sleepy piano runs and ultra smooth vocals to the casual jazz percussion and bass."

PhillyMusic.Com: "[T]heir songs evoke a more ethereal feel with a progressive edge . . Lambrou's silky vocals glide over each peak and cascade into the forest floor like a misty spiritual visit from the dreamworld . . Robinson brings flight to the music as a hawk riding the thermals, high coasting rides with wings outstretched into twisting dives for prey . . .Marrazzo weaves cello-like fretless waterflow over riverstones which at times allows a little whitewater to appear . . .Ghantt calls out from the darkness of the woods with mysterious cries and wails . . .[Their] music does possess a refreshing uniqueness . . .Longing, frustration, discovery and pontification alike live here."

Legal Intelligencer: "Lambrou's rich colorful singing voice works powerfully with Robinson's carefully constructed chord progressions and the rest of the band's polished musicianship."

Dannick.Com: "With a stunning sound and brilliant vocals, you will quickly find yourself under the command of Medea. It is a hypnotic state you will invite with open arms!"

Musical Discoveries: "Medea's debut album is an exceptional collection of original progressive rock-oriented tunes that blend dynamic instrumentals with tremendous vocal work... Highly recommended."