There is something quietly epic about ending an album with a song like "Hearts & Words." But the closing of "Big Blue Machine," her newly released album, is a gently spoken farewell, a sweet note to you bound in notes of tune and context.
A professor, author, multi-instrumentalist, and indie music pioneer, Passarelli showcases her uniquely omnidirectional and multifaceted artistry through a rich musical tapestry that spans various genres. If anything has been confirmed at this point, it is that this band's ability to represent emotion through music can get you teared up like never before, and "Hearts & Words" sounds exactly where they should land. Fusing a firm grounding in the softer side of classic rock with contemporary folk sounds, it evokes an intimacy that borders on meditative.
The song is given poetic lyricism through the words of Kate Chadbourne, Stefanie Badach-Mis, and Kaitlyn Anderson, who adds emotional textures to voice and verse. Chadbourne also rounds out the mix on piano and keys, giving depth and lightness to the overall sound, with Jay Bradley's drums and Mike Bishop's bass pulling back to add a level of rhythmic movement that is equal parts placid and grounding.
In Passarelli's role as writer, arranger, producer, and mixer of the track, she guides the way with an unwavering hand, allowing both the lyrics and instrumentation to resonate. This is because great power is derived from the combination of those. "Hearts & Words" ends the album in the way a good novel would: With resolve, dignity, and a sense that something fundamental has changed without you noticing. In a world where songs scream to be heard, Passarelli softly sings, and in so doing, she leaves an impression that resonates long.
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Reviewed by LyricalOdyssey Music
on
August 05, 2025
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