Crystal Jacqueline - Two Moons (2022) Hi-Res

Music is subject to the river of constant change. If you remain stagnant, then you get passed by, even though your fans may wish otherwise. Case in point is Crystal Jacqueline. We at Exposé have been following her musical career since she first appeared on Fruits de Mer Records nearly ten years ago with her signature voice and gothic psychedelia. Her latest solo album premiered on September 30, 2022 and is an evolution from her previous work. She has moved on from late-60s psych to explore 70s rock with Two Moons, making me think of Fleetwood Mac, Stevie Nicks, and even a bit of Sandy Denny. All the songs on the LP have a harder edge than Crystal’s previous work, while retaining that gothic gossamer thread through her music. The title track opens the album, hitting you in the face with its razor sharp edge and multi-tracked vocals. Track 2 is the very British “Lieutenant Stanley Dallywell,” a cool hard rocker where Crystal first displays her Stevie Nicks side. Next is “Sundress,” a country folk psych song that combines 70s Fleetwood Mac and Fairport Convention. Track 4, “Little Laurel,” is a tasty 70s folk rock ballad that has a long acoustic intro. Then she takes it up a notch with “It Does My Heart Good,” a particularly sinister intro with electronics that builds to include tabla and possibly Mellotron. This is followed by “One Year Gone” with crystal clear vocals and harpsichord recalling early 70s. Then we encounter Crystal in strong rock goddess mode with a song about the warrior queen of England, “Boudicea Love,” that combines elements of Norman Greenbaum’s “Spirit in the Sky” and David Bowie’s and Iggy Pop’s “Nightclubbing.” Next is the dreamy jazz song “Lake of Azure Dreams,” which is then followed by another excellent song “Our Love Will Not Decay,” an eerie acid folk song that grows on you. Track 10 is “Travelling Stone,” a delicate journey filled with ancient magic along the ley lines to the realm of faerie. And the album closes with “Peace Will Come,” not a cover Melanie’s 1973 hit. Psych chanteuse Crystal Jacqueline sings her heart out as the song reaches a truly Pink Floyd-eque climax. Two Moons is quite an excellent addition to Crystal’s growing discography.