Mazzy Star

Highly regarded US duo featuring the soothing timbre of singer Hope Sandoval's textured voice and guitarist David Roback. The partners had begun working together on a projected album as Opal (under which name Roback had formerly operated). Previously, he had been a member of Paisley Underground legends the Rain Parade, and recorded the Rainy Day album with vocalists Susanna Hoffs (the Bangles) and Kendra Smith. He met Sandoval while she was part of female duo Going Home. Enjoying a profitable working relationship, Roback and Sandoval adopted the name Mazzy Star for their sessions together, which eventually resulted in a critically lauded debut album. They released a comeback album on Capitol Records in 1993 after an absence that was mourned by many rock critics. Various musicians were employed, but the core of the project remained Roback and Sandoval (who would also contribute to the Jesus And Mary Chain's "Sometimes Always" single). Contrary to expectations established by its forerunner, the resultant album included a cover version of the Stooges' "We Will Fall". Elsewhere, however, Roback's stinging lyrical poignancy and effortless song construction continued to hold sway. Among My Swan was a lo-fi excursion with Sandoval and Roback's latest songs sounding like a cross between the Cowboy Junkies and Neil Young. In the late 90s Sandoval worked with Colm O'Ciosoig (ex-My Bloody Valentine) on the Warm Inventions side project.