Flowerglass

What's so good?
By Devin Duckworth | Oct 30, 2013

After moving from Texas to New York to the sunny side of California — making music, touring, and internalizing influences spanning from The Yardbirds to Neil Young all the while — Flowerglass is ready to share a sensitive sound that is all their own.

With gorgeously harmonized falsettos, Flowerglass gives us a taste of their emotive tone with their new single, “Spirit.” The first single off of Flowerglass’s second EP, Flowerglass Presents: Ursulines, “Spirit” was recorded in Springfield, MO by Jonathan James of Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin.

This devastatingly hypnotizing track combines elusive falsettos, minimal and maximal instrumentals, a boy and girl love story, and a dark cries for comfort that will have you nodding your head in enjoyment while pressing repeat over and over again. With a experimental vision that’s concise and liberated by — but decidedly not indebted to — the understated nature of the indie folk genre, Flowerglass invites their listeners into a world littered with road maps, lost souls, and hopeful romantics.

Watch the brand new video for “Spirit,” filmed by L.A.-based cinematographer Katelin Arizmendi and directed by Flowerglass lead singer, Scarlet Moreno. - Indie Shuffle

The Artist: I recently checked out the latest self titled CD from coupe duo Flowerglass based out of Los Angels, CA. Flowerglass consists of 2 core members: Trevor Smith (Vocals, Guitar, Lap Steel, Piano, B3 Organ, Percussion). and Scarlet Moreno (Vocals). These 2 met in the land of the Ozarks.

The band The playing abilities of Flowerglass is spot on. I would say they possesses intermediate playing abilities with advanced songwriting skills. Timing seems to be spot on within the Alternative Folk grooves. Vocal abilities from both Smith and Moreno works well as they manage to bring their best ear and eye candy to the table. Together they make a great vocal pairing. I especially like how much of the material matches both duet-style and non-duet style format. This approach matches this music perfectly. The music The music possesses an earthy, folk alternative rock edge that is highly captivating and uplifting. Lyrical content is very passionate and is very entertaining overall. The songs All pieces strike the prefect balance between Alternative Rock, and earthy Folk-Rock. The songs are fun, entertaining, marketable and captivating The vibe simply put - this CD possesses a gold standard vibe that is captivating, and compelling - almost like reading an open book. This is Patsy Cline meets Neil Young. The production is professional grade from start to finish. The good Honorable mentions go out to Smith and Moreno for sharing their love and music with us. Not in a cheesy way, but in a way that is 100% pure and genuine. These 2 are not trying to be some popish artist striving for mass appeal, instead they are clearly just being themselves. My favorite track on the CD is "Fake Stars" The bad Nothing to report. The ugly Nothing to report.

The verdict If there was one phrase I would use to describe Flowerglass it would be "Genuine Article" The debut CD is a very entertaining indeed, but actually it transcends this review. When 2 people are madly in love it shows in every conceivable way. It's something special that cannot be faked and it when transcends into music expression - can be a very special and powerful thing. The Bottom Line In this world of overly corporate musical entertainment it's nice to know that there are artists out there like Flowerglass who represent everything music is supposed to be. - IndieShark.com

Flowerglass in an folk, indie, rock duo from Los Angeles, California consisting of Scarlet Moreno and Trevor Smith. They released their EP "Flowerglass Presents: The Lions" in March, earlier this year. We caught up with them and they were nice enough to give us this interview. Check it out below!

Thanks for taking the time to do this interview Flowerglass. Can you tell us a bit about your EP "Flowerglass Presents: The Lions"?
Scarlet Moreno: You’re very welcome. The pleasure is ours. Our EP “Flowerglass Presents: The Lions” was recorded over the course of three days at Nick Sibley Music in Springfield, MO by Jonathan James of Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin.

Trevor Smith: It’s our first outing as Flowerglass. It’s pretty diverse, but there’s a continuity throughout the record. Both within the instrumentation and lyrical themes. I wanted the record to feel like an acoustic record that is always striving to be a rock n’ roll record.

Flowerglass Presents: The Lions
In March 2012, you released an EP called "Flowerglass Presents: The Lions", what was the story behind it?
SM: It was basically an effort to write music we felt was honest and true to who we are as a band. We were living in different parts of the country when we wrote it, so it was interesting to write everything in pieces and then finally come together and sort of figure it out right before we went into recording.

TS: I played with the rhythm section on the record, Kyle Robinson and Tyler Rooffener, in several other bands and knew what they were capable of and that we work better as more of an organic unit than a well-rehearsed machine. So the guys sort of rolled in naked…so to speak, without any understanding of how the record would be textured. We did a couple of “bare bones” takes so everyone was comfortable with the arrangement and then just tracked it so no one could get bored or over-think anything. All our favorite records, with the exception of a few, were all done with a certain understanding of color and space. The Lions was written to sort of bring those elements back in focus for the modern listener.

Have you been happy with the feedback you got on The Lions?
SM: I’ve been really happy and grateful that we’ve received a pretty positive reaction to the whole thing. People seem to connect to certain songs really strongly, and that’s all I could’ve hoped for.

TS: Fasho.

What were your major influences in writing and recording The Lions?
SM: I think Trevor was actually a pretty big influence in my writing on this record. Obviously everyone has the bands and musicians that influence them their whole lives. Sort of in their development as music people in general. So I could say Patsy Cline, The Doors, you know. But I’ve always been incredibly inspired by the way Trevor writes. So there’s that.

TS: I guess the first record that comes to mind in terms of inspiration for The Lions would be “Five Leaves Left” by Nick Drake. Astral Weeks by Van Morrison influenced our approach to actually recording it. Both of those records are beautifully crafted in different ways but also recording in a small amount of time.

What is your favorite track from the EP?
SM: Definitely “It Takes a Dream to Kill a Dream.” The first time we played it live, I had to try really hard not to cry. I cry almost every time the lyric “I don’t wanna see your pretty hands in chains” comes in. I’m a cryer.

TS: Hahaha. It’s true.
Mine would have to be either “Summer Wind Descendent” or “Fake Stars.” I think those two songs best sum up what we were going for both sonically and lyrically.

MUSIC
How long have you been singing/playing?
SM: I’ve been singing since I can remember.
TS: I’ve been singing for about five years I guess. I’d say playing since cubhood.

What first got you interested in becoming an independent artist?
TS: I didn’t know we had a choice.
SM: Haha. Hmm…I’ve always just wanted to share things that I make with people.
TS: S - CrazyPellas.net

The latest ‘Flowerglass’ album, ‘THE LIONS’ – recorded and mixed by Jonathan James, mastered by Carl Saff and produced by the band themselves, has no songs that can be classified as “pretty but uneventful,” as most of this album is breathtakingly melodic and beautiful. Led by the sultry vocals of Scarlet Moreno, this somber album paints vivid scenes of romantic longing, transcendental turmoil and emotional nostalgia.

Trevor Smith constructs the seductively sparse musical settings, and he’s also a fine singer himself, displaying his craft most effectively on the desperate “It Takes A Dream To Kill A Dream” and “Summer Wind Descent,” a catchy mid-tempo melody, where the duo evidence deliciously devious pop-song writing influences, from the famed Fleetwood Mac pair, Christine McVie and Lyndsay Buckingham.

Other evocative and inspirational highlights are “The Lions Of Santa Fe” and “Bukowski,” while “Fake Stars” is a rare pledge of devotion and honesty on an album brimful of sad relationship songs.

However, the real showstopper on this album is the devastatingly sad and nostalgic “Graceland,” constructed almost exclusively apon Scarlet Moreno’s heartfelt vocals and a beautifully strummed acoustic guitar rhythm. Scarlet’s voice is an instrument of exquisite dolour, which so acutely dominates songs that dwell on relationships in their terminal phases, or in their scorched aftermaths.

If you listen to “THE LIONS” for the first time, you’ll find that one song will strike profoundly, and resonate with you for days. You’ll think it’s the best song you’ve heard in a long time. As the song starts to wear down, you’ll find that another song on the album, is perhaps the best song you’ve heard in a long time. This will continue until you realize that this is one of those albums where there’s absolutely not a bad moment. This turns out to be a great collection of very strong, simple melodies.

The emotion runs deep and true throughout without getting overbearing. A lot of this depends on the songs themselves, which are straightforward and powerful. But it’s even more to do with the spare but rich, acoustic production. The vocals are pitch perfect, and the choice of instrumentation prevents any song from getting overdone. When not to play is often as important as when to play. “THE LIONS” is an album where every note seems to have a place and a meaning. The overall mood is thoughtful, profound and inspirational. - JamSphere

The latest ‘Flowerglass’ album, ‘THE LIONS’ – recorded and mixed by Jonathan James, mastered by Carl Saff and produced by the band themselves, has no songs that can be classified as “pretty but uneventful,” as most of this album is breathtakingly melodic and beautiful. Led by the sultry vocals of Scarlet Moreno, this somber album paints vivid scenes of romantic longing, transcendental turmoil and emotional nostalgia.

Trevor Smith constructs the seductively sparse musical settings, and he’s also a fine singer himself, displaying his craft most effectively on the desperate “It Takes A Dream To Kill A Dream” and “Summer Wind Descent,” a catchy mid-tempo melody, where the duo evidence deliciously devious pop-song writing influences, from the famed Fleetwood Mac pair, Christine McVie and Lyndsay Buckingham.

Other evocative and inspirational highlights are “The Lions Of Santa Fe” and “Bukowski,” while “Fake Stars” is a rare pledge of devotion and honesty on an album brimful of sad relationship songs.

However, the real showstopper on this album is the devastatingly sad and nostalgic “Graceland,” constructed almost exclusively apon Scarlet Moreno’s heartfelt vocals and a beautifully strummed acoustic guitar rhythm. Scarlet’s voice is an instrument of exquisite dolour, which so acutely dominates songs that dwell on relationships in their terminal phases, or in their scorched aftermaths.

If you listen to “THE LIONS” for the first time, you’ll find that one song will strike profoundly, and resonate with you for days. You’ll think it’s the best song you’ve heard in a long time. As the song starts to wear down, you’ll find that another song on the album, is perhaps the best song you’ve heard in a long time. This will continue until you realize that this is one of those albums where there’s absolutely not a bad moment. This turns out to be a great collection of very strong, simple melodies.

The emotion runs deep and true throughout without getting overbearing. A lot of this depends on the songs themselves, which are straightforward and powerful. But it’s even more to do with the spare but rich, acoustic production. The vocals are pitch perfect, and the choice of instrumentation prevents any song from getting overdone. When not to play is often as important as when to play. “THE LIONS” is an album where every note seems to have a place and a meaning. The overall mood is thoughtful, profound and inspirational. - JamSphere

Los Angeles, CA based 2 piece unit “Flowerglass” release their debut CD entitled The Lions in 2012. Band consists of 2 core members: Scarlet Moreno (Vocals) and Trevor Smith (Vocals, Guitar, Lap Steel, Piano, B3 Organ, Percussion). Reading from the bio: The two have cultivated an homage to the golden age of music. With Moreno’s vocal stylings echoing the likes of Jim Morrison and Patsy Cline, and Smith’s penchant for surrealism and poignant narration, Flowerglass invites its listeners into a world littered with road maps, lost souls, and hopeful romantics.

The CD gently takes flight with “Summer Wind Descendent” a smooth intro groove that serves up inviting vocals against impressive fretwork, smooth as silk rhythm section and mesmerizing vocal delivery from Moreno. Track 2 “It Takes a Dream to Kill a Dream” a slow moving follow-up piece with methodical rhythm, rich melody against heartfelt vocals from Smith. This piece flows and ebbs its way through to emotional fruition. Track 3 “The Lions of Santa Fe” delivers dynamic rhythm against thought provoking lyrical content, hypnotic vocal delivery against a grand slam chorus. The musicianship of everyone involved is clearly above the bar. Song for song the effective combination of Morenos’ voice and Smiths' effective musical touches are never called into question. Musical styles presented from Americana, to Alternative Folk. Along the way besides the typical 4 piece standard you will notice things like Harmonica, Organ, Percussion, Lap Steel and Piano. Now turning our attention over to Moreno - as for her vocal abilities - she is quite impressive. The music is cut from the cloth of as The Civil Wars, The Head and The Heart, Ingrid Michelson, and even James Vincent McMorrow. Moreneo showcases an impressive Mezzo Soprano with effective power and vocal passion. All of this makes for a strong and confident vocal ability. Smith is no slouch on vocals either as showcased on Track 2. Smith deserves allot of credit for his behind the scenes work on this production - he is an impressive musician. This latest CD from "Flowerglass" delivers 7 compelling tracks all providing an interesting snapshot of 2 up and coming artist with thought provoking lyrical wisdom with messages that are positive, passionate and captivating. From grooving “Fake Stars” to infectious Wasted Flower” this CD has something for just about everyone. The CD ends with track 7 “Graceland” the perfect wrap for a catalogue like this
It’s fair to say this CD is a bit short. With only 7 song presented in the line-up if feels more like an EP than a full length release. Perhaps 3 or 4 more songs are needed to seal the deal as a full length release.

I like everything about Flowerglass. Both Trevor Smith and Scarlet Meroeno are truly an infectious artists that possess a "Gold Standard" look, sound, appeal, talent and marketability. Smith is a very impressive musician in his own right and his production strokes are spot on. From start to finish The Lions is an impressive catalogue of music. The music is warm and earthy, highly passionate, and very entertaining. The songwriting is an interesting snapshot of music from 2 very clairvoyant artists. All songs are consistent musical experiences, each one possessing a unique personality, flair and signature groove. Note for note, song for song this catalogue is extremely likeable very much like the artists themselves.

Cyrus Rhodes - Indie Music Digest

Over the years we’ve seen pop, rock, and even alternative rock bands slowly erode into over-commercialized, corporate puppet shows. Talking to many music fans out there, the response is overwhelming. Give me something new, something that makes me feel good. something that’s pure and is going to kick start my heart. Something that doesn’t sound like the same old same old – bands like Nikelback., Daughtry, Lady Antebellum C’mon Give me something real.
So across my desk slides the new CD (The Lions) by California couple dou entitled Flowerglass featuring Trevor Smith and Scarlet Moreneo. What I heard put a smile on my face, finally a duo that gets it with music in the vein of a modern day Fleetwood Mac (Nicks and Buckingham). Flowerglass is some of the best new music I’ve heard in quite some time and delivers many featuring many of the aforementioned elements I spoke of. You want passion, good music and amazing production craftsmanship with songs that are entertaining to listen to? Well look no further. This CD covers all the bases delivering solid playing coupled with amazing songwriting and a musical union that is to die for.

Flowerglass is the real deal and one of the hottest musical acts I’ve heard this year. This CD is comparable to a fresh breath of air and what we’ve all been waiting for. It’s a polished sounding musical production from start to finish served up hot with great playing, solid writing, amazing songs. Flowerglass is the life experience put to music. It’s definitely a musical production that gives us a fresh glimpse at 2 hot new artists from different parts of the country that somehow crossed paths to form a musical union. It also takes us back a few years – before everything started sounding like – well Lady Antebellum
By: Kevin Huber - Skope

Over the years we’ve seen pop, rock, and even alternative rock bands slowly erode into over-commercialized, corporate puppet shows. Talking to many music fans out there, the response is overwhelming. Give me something new, something that makes me feel good. something that’s pure and is going to kick start my heart. Something that doesn’t sound like the same old same old – bands like Nikelback., Daughtry, Lady Antebellum C’mon Give me something real.
So across my desk slides the new CD (The Lions) by California couple dou entitled Flowerglass featuring Trevor Smith and Scarlet Moreneo. What I heard put a smile on my face, finally a duo that gets it with music in the vein of a modern day Fleetwood Mac (Nicks and Buckingham). Flowerglass is some of the best new music I’ve heard in quite some time and delivers many featuring many of the aforementioned elements I spoke of. You want passion, good music and amazing production craftsmanship with songs that are entertaining to listen to? Well look no further. This CD covers all the bases delivering solid playing coupled with amazing songwriting and a musical union that is to die for.

Flowerglass is the real deal and one of the hottest musical acts I’ve heard this year. This CD is comparable to a fresh breath of air and what we’ve all been waiting for. It’s a polished sounding musical production from start to finish served up hot with great playing, solid writing, amazing songs. Flowerglass is the life experience put to music. It’s definitely a musical production that gives us a fresh glimpse at 2 hot new artists from different parts of the country that somehow crossed paths to form a musical union. It also takes us back a few years – before everything started sounding like – well Lady Antebellum
By: Kevin Huber - Skope