New To Know: Mynabirds + The Senors Of Marseille + The Wailing Wall

The Mynabirds

Mynabird’s Laura Burhenn is channeling some brassy retro folk rock vibes on her new album What We Lose In The Fire, We Gain In The Flood. Recorded in the boonies of Oregon the record reflects influence from  such greats as James Brown, Dandy Livingstone and Buffy Saint-Marie and an ample dose of whiskey all of which were present during the recording precess. The loose percussions, subtle backing female vocals and occasional horn section all contribute to the nostalgic aura. Burhenn’s voice takes on a demure seductive quality on the slow trotting “Ways Of Looking,” with only a simple guitar and tambourine accompanying gives just enough to draw you in. Then on tracks like “Wash It Out” and “Let The Record Show” she gets a little sassier and assertive but never fully drops her chanteuse ways. The strongest pieces are the ones that the ache of old Dusty Springfield tracks and the soul of gospel are allowed to permeate the lush arrangements. “Good Heart” is a prime example, slow and plaintive it brings the LP to a hazy close.

The list of collaborators on the album’s liner notes is an impressive one; Orenda Fink (Azure Ray, O+S) and AJ Mogis (Criteria, Monsters of Folk, Tilly and the Wall) lent vocals; Tom Hnatow (These United States) provided some of his steel guitar magic and Nate Walcott (Bright Eyes) contributed some horn arranging. With all this talent in the wings it is easy to see how Mynabirds was able to create such a deliciously evocative album. I have a feeling this one we see a reprise on my year end list. The album hits stores next Tuesday be sure to pick up a copy.

[MP3] Numbers Don’t Lie

The Senors Of Marseille

Tubular, from Brooklyn’s The Senors Of Marseille successfully represent’s the group’s self defined faux-baroque/folk/powerpop genrefication. Resounding group harmonies and jangly pianos give a number of the tracks a feel good folk vibe. “Grace” kicks the LP off in high rollicking style with a great playful piano intro to aforementioned group sing along. The experimental lightheartedness is found in the majority of Tubular’s songs each with a slightly different inspiration from doo wop to surf rock and even a bit of synth pop; the album is a great adventure of sonic curiosity.

Recorded at Marcata studios in up state New York the album’s with the mixing touch of Kevin McMcMahon the album’s varied nature is the product of Senor’s Matt Swope & Graham Bishop’s years of playing together. That they manage to keep the music, despite the individuality of each track, whimsical and cohesive is testament to their shared vision. There a few more abstract moments that seem a little too obviously “indie pop” bandish they more than right the ship with their high marks like the superb ode to companionship “Here In New York.” You can download the entire album on their bandcamp site but for a taste click below.

[MP3] Mars Needs Guitars

[MP3] Here In New York

The Wailing Wall

The Low Hanging Fruit is The Wailing Wall’s follow up to the wildly popular Hospital Blooms and true evolution in both sound and influence. The album served as a form of catharsis for it’s central figure Jesse Rifikin who, during a particularly trying time in his personal life, leaned on his musical expression to channel some of his energy. Rifkin is the product of a richly mystical upbringing, having received an Orthodox education tempered by meditation and chanting sessions at home. His sensitivity to the nuance of spiritual sound – from Sufi Qawwali music to Hindu Kirtan chanting with touches of Renaissance and Baroque church music – is clear throughout The Low Hanging Fruit.

The arrangements found on the LP are profound in and of themselves but when paired with the speculative and witty poetry that are Rifkin’s lyrics the songs become transformative. Songs like “Fear No Apple, Fear No Flood” suggest spiritual introspection and are delivered with a subtle certainty that is countered by the hollow accordion and lone horn accompanying him. “Song” wanders into love song territory with tender wooing lyrics measured out in folkier doses. Rifkin even explores sillier matters on “Pineapple/Clarinet/Buffalo” which delightfully paces the dense album. I’m on my third listen to this album in full and I feel like I’m only scratching its surface. It is out June 8th and I can’t recommend it more highly. He will be in Philly at Kungfu Necktie on May 28th.

[MP3] Bones Become Rainbows

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