We first featured Anoush when she previewed her album by taking us on an evocative, self-realized trip with expansive, Brave Girl, so when we learnt that the star was back with the entirety of her sophomore album, we couldn’t wait to listen and share our every thought! TWO serves as a poetic and transcendental exploration the dance between light and dark. Through a carefully crafted sonic landscape, Anoush takes us on a mystical journey that challenges conventional musical boundaries. The record is as introspective as it is expansive, offering a tapestry of sound that blends classical elements with modern innovation.
The album opens with Divide & Conquer, a powerful introduction that sets the tone for the entire project. The track immediately immerses us in an orchestral soundscape punctuated by hip-hop rhythms, creating a dynamic and cinematic atmosphere. Lyrically, Anoush delves into the political strategy of “divide and conquer,” using this concept as a metaphor for the cosmic struggle between unity and division. Her vocals, both assertive and ethereal, highlight the tension between the physical and metaphysical realms. The track’s key change is nothing short of phenomenal, adding drama and intensity reminiscent of P!nk‘s earlier works. Anoush’s ability to fuse orchestral grandeur with contemporary beats underscores her unique approach to music-making, making this opener a captivating start.
Transitioning into Golden Hills, Anoush transports us to a dystopian vision of Los Angeles, where the haunting aftermath of forest fires looms large. The track begins with static interference, setting an ominous tone before a philosophical spoken-word intro. Anoush‘s ethereal vocals paint a vivid picture of ash floating in the wind, a stark contrast to the once-vibrant cityscape. The darker, almost apocalyptic edge of the song is a reflection on environmental destruction and existential uncertainty. As she questions, “Is this the beginning or the end?”, Anoush invites us to ponder the cyclical nature of life and destruction. The minimalist production emphasizes the starkness of the lyrics, making Golden Hills a thought-provoking and somber listen.
With Brave Girl, Anoush shifts gears, introducing a jazz-pop infused track that stands out as an anthem of empowerment and resilience. The song opens with a captivating saxophone riff, immediately drawing the listener in. Anoush’s vocals here are both powerful and tender, delivering metaphorical prose that speaks to the challenges of self-discovery and spiritual awakening. The memorable hook, “She’s a Brave Girl, just trying to save the world, talking about Jesus, in the house of hell…”, captures the essence of the song – an exploration of faith, courage, and the strength required to confront inner and outer demons. The production, moody and layered, complements the lyrics, instilling a sense of confidence and motivation. Brave Girl is not just a song but a rallying cry for those on a journey of self-empowerment.
Take a Trip opens with a stunning Spanish guitar, immediately setting a mystical and otherworldly tone. Anoush’s voice, delicate yet commanding, invites us to open our hearts and minds, to embark on a journey into her universe. The song evolves with an ethereal quality, blending traditional instrumentation with modern electronic elements, creating a soundscape that feels both ancient and futuristic. The vocal riffs are sublime, showcasing Anoush’s technical prowess and emotive delivery. This track feels like an invitation—a call to experience the world through Anoush’s eyes, where reality and fantasy intertwine.
This brings us to Lies, which introduces an arpeggiated synthscape that builds into an immersive, atmospheric track. The production is haunting, with layers of synths creating a sense of tension and unease. Anoush’s lyrics are poignant and direct, as she sings, “I know what you did…”, delivering a chilling narrative of betrayal and deception. The track’s dark, brooding energy serves as a critical turning point in the album, furthering the narrative of duality—truth versus lies, reality versus illusion. The minimalist arrangement allows Anoush’s voice to take center stage, making the emotional weight of the lyrics all the more impactful.
Following the intensity of Lies, The Letter slows the pace with a heartfelt ballad that showcases Anoush’s more vulnerable side. The song is rich with emotion, as she sings about longing and loss with a tenderness that resonates deeply. The piano-driven melody is simple yet effective, providing a stark backdrop for Anoush’s vocals, which are filled with raw emotion. This track highlights her ability to convey deep feeling through minimalistic arrangements, making The Letter a poignant and memorable moment on the album.
June Gloom brings the energy back up with a super-dimensional guitar performance and pulsating drums. The track has a palpable charm, with Anoush’s vocals exuding both strength and vulnerability. The production is vibrant, with the guitars and drums creating a driving rhythm that contrasts with the introspective lyrics. Anoush’s ability to blend such contrasts – upbeat rhythms with melancholic themes – is a testament to her skill as a songwriter and producer.
Opening with an intimate piano performance, Red Roses is perhaps the darkest track on the album. The lyrics are dramatic and filled with imagery that evokes a sense of foreboding. Anoush sings with a haunting beauty, her voice layered with ethereal choral vocals that add depth to the track. The lyrics, “Off with your head…”, bring a chilling fairytale-like quality to the song, reminiscent of dark fantasy stories. The track’s production is cinematic, with the piano and vocals creating a tense, atmospheric soundscape that feels perfect for a dramatic scene in a TV show like Pretty Little Liars. Red Roses stands out for its intensity and the way it encapsulates the album’s themes of darkness and light.
Dark Woods begins with the eerie sounds of howling and nature, immediately transporting the listener to a mystical, otherworldly setting. The track features a timeless piano performance, accompanied by atmospheric vocals that add to the song’s ethereal quality. There’s a trap-adjacent beat that introduces a modern twist to the otherwise classical sound, with rippling hi-hats creating a sense of urgency and tension. Anoush’s vocals guide us through this dark, enigmatic landscape, making Dark Woods a hauntingly beautiful exploration of the unknown. The track feels like a journey through a mythical forest, filled with both wonder and danger.
Next is I Will Behave, which introduces a more theatrical edge to the album, with dramatic vocals and a production that feels larger than life. The track cements the narrative of the record, echoing themes of duality and the struggle between conformity and rebellion. The production is reminiscent of artists like Sevdaliza, with its theme and blend of avant-garde pop elements. Anoush’s performance is captivating, as she oscillates between restraint and abandon, embodying the conflict at the heart of the song. I Will Behave is both a declaration and a question, challenging the listener to consider the cost of obedience and the power of defiance.
As the penultimate track, Obsessed is full of charm and energy, driven by a pulsating beat that’s impossible to ignore. The production is sleek, with a danceable rhythm that contrasts with the introspective lyrics. Anoush’s vocals are playful yet intense, capturing the obsessive nature of infatuation and desire. The track is infectious, with a hook that stays with you long after the song ends. We can easily imagine this being a highlight of Anoush’s live performances, with its catchy melody and vibrant energy.
The album closes with Glistening, a track that opens with a delicate, shimmering soundscape that feels like an ascent into the ethereal. The piano, intertwined with subtle electronic elements, creates a serene and uplifting atmosphere. Anoush’s vocals are soft and tender, bringing the album to a gentle, yet powerful conclusion. The track feels like an ascension, a fitting end to an album that has taken us through the depths of darkness and the heights of light. Glistening leaves us with a sense of peace and resolution, a beautiful final note in Anoush’s exploration of duality and spirituality.
TWO by Anoush is an ambitious and inventive album that defies easy categorization. Through its twelve tracks, Anoush invites listeners to explore complex themes of duality, spirituality, and self-discovery, all while pushing the boundaries of contemporary music. Each track offers something unique, yet the album remains cohesive, a testament to Anoush’s vision and artistry.