For most, Hope Sandoval means Mazzy Star, which means “Fade into You”.  It’s easy to understand, given that particular song’s ethereal beauty – deepened when you catch the “me” overdubbed onto the “you” in the chorus – but her work with David Trowback over three albums as Mazzy Star and her 2001 solo album Warm Bavarian Fruit Bread are more than enough to qualify her as a talent beyond just a single, albeit achingly haunting, song.

Sandoval was instrumental in building my love for the non-vamp smokey chanteause singer – Low’s Mimi Parker and Marissa Nadler are both perfect examples of singers whose styles I found solace in following Mazzy Star’s indefinite hiatus and Sandoval’s rare foray into recording.  While her recognizable voice is probably her best-known attribute, she’s an impressive lyricist as well, bringing an angelic darkness that just can’t help but light up the hearts of awkward loners everywhere.

Through the Devil Slowly, due out September 15th on Nettwerk, should serve as a fine return to form.  My Bloody Valentine’s Colm Ó Cíosóig is her partner on this release, which should only serve to build anticipation.