Blonde & Grey’s latest offering, Drifting Through The Universe, isn’t merely an album; it’s an invitation to embark on a sonic voyage that straddles the line between nostalgia and the contemporary. The duo, comprised of Kathy Olsen and Neil Friend, has skillfully crafted a collection that echoes the golden age of pop-rock while infusing it with a modern vibrancy that feels as fresh as a crisp autumn breeze.
From the opening track, All The Time, which is set to release in September as the album’s first single, Blonde & Grey set the tone for a journey that feels both intimate and expansive. Olsen’s emotive vocals, paired with Friend’s meticulous instrumentation, immediately draw listeners in, offering a warm welcome to a world where time slows down, and melodies take center stage. The flute, an instrument often sidelined in modern music, shines brightly here, weaving through the tracks with a grace that feels both timeless and unexpected.
The track, By My Side, is where the album’s ethos truly comes to life. The song’s arrangement mirrors the vastness of space itself—spacious and open, yet brimming with subtle complexities. Friend and Olsen’s vocals, sensitive yet powerful, soars over a bed of a driving rhythm section and intricate guitar work, evoking the grandeur of Fleetwood Mac while still maintaining a distinct, contemporary edge. The lyrics, exploring themes of exploration and existential wonder, are both poetic and approachable, capturing the universal longing for connection in a world that often feels overwhelming.
Throughout the album, Blonde & Grey demonstrate their ability to craft songs that are at once deeply personal and universally relatable. Tracks like Second String and Ringing For You, carry forward the legacy of their debut album, Face the Music, but with a newfound maturity. The stories they tell are painted with a broader brush, the emotions more nuanced, and the musicality more refined. It’s clear that Olsen and Friend have not only honed their craft but also deepened their understanding of what it means to create music that resonates on multiple levels.
Yet, despite the album’s polished production and intricate arrangements, there’s an undeniable sense of playfulness that permeates Drifting Through The Universe. This is a band that doesn’t take itself too seriously, as evidenced by their origin story and the tongue-in-cheek humor behind their name. Even as they explore deep and sometimes heavy themes, there’s a lightness to their approach that makes the album feel less like a weighty tome and more like a cherished conversation with old friends.
As they continue to release singles from the album and perform live—whether in intimate venues or through live streaming events—Blonde & Grey’s connection to their audience remains palpable. They are, as they say, “always ready to play,” and that willingness to engage, to share, and to connect shines through in every note they play.
Drifting Through The Universe is a testament to the duo’s ability to blend the old with the new, the playful with the profound. It’s a journey worth taking, and one that will leave listeners eager for whatever Blonde & Grey dream up next.
Claire Uebelacker