Lying somewhere between the raw, British honesty of Laura Marling and the playful creativity of Sufjan Stevens, Katie Malco thoughtfully and optimistically breaks our hearts with this tightly packed 5 song EP.
There is something very pure about one persons vision of a song that can captivate me more than some bands.
‘Johnny‘ is the lucky son of a bitch that Malco beautifully and innocently calls to: “What does she do that I can’t give you? I cant write a song but I bore your children for you.”
That sort of truthful and delicate poetry belongs in the legend league along with Joni Mitchell or maybe Patti Smith. Musically it swells with banjos and horns before exploding into silence so Malco can be alone with her guitar again.
Likewise, ‘Get In The Car‘, that proceeds it is possibly even prettier. ‘Get in the car and drive, we may not make it out alive‘, she calls while a distant choir, warmly chorus back to her.
‘Florence Nightingale’s House‘ is as timeless as a Dylan record, with lyrics as thoughtful and poignant as a Mark Twain quote.
In the age of computers and digital sound, I don’t think we will ever tire of honest, gritty story telling and the simplicity of a lone struggling soul with a guitar and a load to bare.
‘Katie Malco and The Slow Parade EP‘ is out on Alcopop! records.
A few years back I caught Jens Lekman at the Shepherds Bush Empire. He was touring in support for his album ‘Night Falls Over Kortedala‘ and it was a truly magical experience with the singer-songwriter not only delivering musically but also going out of his way to connect with the audience.
Quite some time has passed since then and, though I have returned to that album several times, I was starting to wonder when the Swede would release some new material. Well, in September I can stop wondering because Jens will be releasing a new EP by the name of ‘An Argument With Myself‘.
The title track is far more upbeat than I expected and judging by how popular it has been since it was released for free I really can’t wait for this release.
A few weeks ago I caught talented Brooklyn based singer/songwriter Alana Stewart performing during her first mini UK tour. A full interview is going to be featured on these pages in the coming days. In the meantime here is the video for ‘Perfervid‘ as an introduction.
Lail Arad’s debut album ‘Someone New’ somehow manages to channel a multitude of the North London artist’s influences whilst maintaining an individualistic streak.
Hints of Woody Guthrie, Joni Mitchell as well as Simon and Garfunkel are stepping stones towards new ideas and there is more than a subtle nod to contemporary female artists such as Regina Spektor and Kate Nash.
Like the aforementioned duo; the singer-songwriter manages to inject a dose of humour into her compositions that resonates immediately with listeners. Still, the greatest strength of this release is that the tracks are varied enough to return to for multiple listens.
It sure helps that the lyrics are continuously engaging. In my original review I commented that Lail’s lyrics “appear deceivingly simple whilst conveying a multitude of emotions”. It is this quality that makes ‘Someone New’ endearing in the long run.
To the uninitiated pressing play on a Gregory and The Hawk album and hearing the beautiful serenading of MeredithGodreau may come as a surprise. This deliberately cloudy moniker is designed to avoid being pigeonholed in the “female singer/songwriter” bin.
It would therefore be lazy reviewing to say ‘Leche‘ sounds like EmilianaTorrini recorded underwater, or that it is as endearing as Soko without ever relying solely on cutesy nuances, or that it subtly captures Bat For Lashes eeriness…
The above statements are somewhat true but if you need a male example to justify this inclusion then I’m confident in saying that Godreau‘s songwriting sits comfortably next to any of Owen Pallett/Final Fantasy‘s output whilst displaying a more imposing vocal range. There is a spectral quality to her melodies that are almost disarming to the listener.
‘Leche‘ is an album equally suited for those times when it is raining outside and you just want to stare solemnly out of the window as the times when you decide it’s time to splash around in the puddles.
With the aid of it’s subtle layers and emotional dynamics it deservedly earns it’s spot on the top albums list.
In Tall Buildings is really “just” a nom de plume for Erik Hall and his songs. The self titled release was recorded in the comfort of his home studio and this coziness is reflected in his effective use of layering. Numerous guitars, pianos and vocals are gently introduced in these songs without distracting from the core melodies.
The care that has gone into recording In Tall Buildings proves that you do not always need a multimillion studio to make an album sound alive. Sometimes all you need is a few broken instruments, vintage equipment and a bunch of people willing to lend a hand to record a “beautiful and challenging record“.
Northampton’s premiere purveyors of indie-folk My First Tooth returned with a consolidated lineup and the release 4-track EP ‘Margaret Yen‘ last month.
Singer-songwriter Ross Witt was officially joined by violinist Sophie Galpin meaning that the guitar and violin interplay seen on the ‘My First Tooth And the Rubies’ EP has gained further prominence.
With a full length debut expected later this year these tracks are a good indication of the direction the band is moving in. Check out the special “quiet” rendition of ‘Margaret Yen’ dedicated especially to Cougar Microbes (and the blog readers too I assume).
Singer/songwriter Jason Ward has kept himself extremely busy having written and recorded well over 200 songs in the past few years. his latest album, ‘Almighty Row‘, was released independently a few months ago and has seen the American artist take an unmistakeably desolate twist.
Lets put it this way, this is not the kind of CD (remember those?) you will be giving your grandmother for Christmas. But life is not only about the sunshine and chirping birds so if you occasionally enjoy some slight misery and introspective melodies this may well be the release you have been waiting for since last winter.
Like Neil Young, Jeff Buckley and the Silver Jews…. on downers!
For a limited time you can get ‘Almighty Row‘ for free here
to feature an array of amazing releases and artists (past, present, old and new) with the goal of promoting them to anyone interested and anyone who stumbles across this site.
If you like any of the tracks, please go buy the albums and help finance the artists producing this great music.
If there are any issues with the tracks featured do not hesitate to contact: "team (AT) Cougar Microbes (DOT) com and we will happily oblige.
