Its really once in a lifetime that a band comes around like Mandolin Orange. The voices of Andrew Marlin and Emily Frantz were seemingly destined to make music and beautiful sounds together in harmony. Like finding that final puzzle piece under the couch cushions that completes the image you have been seeking out for what seems like forever, the music they make is nothing short of perfection. Marlin’s voice is devastatingly emotional, affecting and humble. Frantz has a siren, almost a secretive hush and a seductive allure that could make even the most steadfast sailor crash straight into a rocky coastline. The combination of the two creates a sort of intimacy in their music that erupts in audio jubilance and an emotional palette that is ever expanding. On their own I could say with a straight face that either one is one of my favorite singers, but together, man its all over and I am melted into a puddle. The latest sampling from the North Carolina birthed duo only further places them at the pinnacle of modern roots music and the brilliant artists creating it today. “Blindfaller” is another incarnation of pure brilliance, beauty and brunt force that will hit you like a ton of bricks. Leaving you dumbfounded and dizzy with just how moving and poignant two voices can be all while gently cradling you with the sheer gorgeousness that it encompasses.
What may be most striking about the new record is the variety that Marlin and Frantz have injected into their sound and the ability to take something that has worked so well in the past and put those songs into the trusting hands of others. That much was evident when we caught them live at The Sinclair a few months back and their live show was elevated to soaring new heights with the additions of another acoustic guitar and harmony by the way of Josh Oliver and here on the record with the rhythm section glue courtesy Clint Mullican on bass, Kyle Keegan on drums and the distant (but constant) cry of the steel from Allyn Love.
As a audience member and listener you don’t want to eat the same meal each and every night and with this latest effort Mandolin Orange serves up dishes infused with spices, scents and flavors spanning a much broader range than say “The Other Side of Jordan” or even “Such Jubilee” offered up. “Jubilee” certain;y began that further unfolding and expanding of the band’s sound, but where “Blindfaller” truly succeeds is how they advance even more broadly the sonic diversity of their songs and stretch them to places that another artist may not venture. Entering realms of country twang, keeping true to their bluegrass hybrid, and digging even deeper into the well of traditional roots music across the palette of the 10 tracks. All this while remaining in the realms of what makes their music so influential and impactful: those harmonies, expert musicianship and accessible, but clever, songwriting. The risks of expanding have paid off in spades…and then some.
Easing us in with something somewhat familiar to old fans the first track off the album, “Hey Stranger”, gives fiddler-guitarist Emily Frantz the lead vocal duty (my only complaint of the band’s previous release was that Frantz’s voice didn’t get nearly enough airtime in the spotlight). With a heavy guitar pick and slowly circling banjo rolls and mandolin notes provide a soft bedding for her voice to rest over. A bit sleepy and relaxed on the musical end, Emily’s voice is able to shine even brighter as a focal point. Marlin’s voice eases in fluid and crafty under her’s and the warmth and brightness that results is that sound that the band has become loved by so many for. It feels familiar, but new.
The follow on track “Wildfire” encompasses the aesthetic of the band, but with a gently coo-ing steel sounding guitar line off in the distance that adds a bit of detailing to the edges of the M.O. tapestry. Its also where the three part harmonies with the addition of Josh Oliver take root…and its weak in the knee, chill inducing splendor. Although there is a history between the guitarist songwriter and Emily and Andrew, it still amazes how well he fits with the band. The voices melding together effortlessly and clear. Oliver’s 2014 “Part of Life” is an absolutely gorgeous record filled with heart-wrenching numbers and a collaborative effort that he has paid back in full here on M.O.’s latest. The blending of their voices, styles and personalities make for an incredibly smooth and fluent style. Like a fine bourbon, sweet on the intake, with a hint of sting just to make sure you are paying attention, but the after effect is soothing and relaxing like no other.
The experience of the record continues on, a journey through an audible landscape of straight roots and acoustic driven songs to the marching drum beat and reverberating guitar dotted “Echo” on which Frantz’s voice again takes the center stage and absolutely soars. Its the final track where Andrew’s honest and humble voice gets to shine brightest. “Take This Heart of Gold” is as unpretentious and open hearted as a song comes. Its an exercise in “here is all of me, take it or leave it” and it will tear your heart out.
As a mandolinist, Andrew Marlin possesses one of the most fluid and exciting playing styles in modern day roots music. Luckily for the listener, that is on full display on this record with tracks like “Gospel Shoes” has a nice medium tempo dabbing of doublet notes and runs. Musically I don’t think there is a single flaw on this record. Its creative and emotive and embodies a variety of genre and influence that keeps you finding something new with each and every listen. All the players are at their finest and the chemistry is undeniable.
“Hard Traveling” elevates the excitement of the record, though for a brief 2 minutes and 43 seconds. A shitkicker of sorts. With a chicken pickin’ countrified kick in on the electric guitar that wails. Excuse me for saying…but fuck…it really gets me every time (and I’ve probably listened to it a good 200 times already). The swapping guitar and mandolin solos are on point and just shred. The build of the storied song and the intertwining of the duo’s voices at the exit line of each verse (or maybe its the chorus). It just slays me. The story, relatable to most anyone who has toured in their life. A quickfire tale lined with couch surfing, waking up in a stranger’s house and the inevitable loneliness that can ensue being out there playing every night. So good.
well good whiskey never holds you like a good girl can
when the nights get lonely, it can be your only friend
Marlin’s writing has always been a strong foundation of the music of Mandolin Orange. Where so much that falls under the umbrella of “Americana” inevitably winds up spewed out over 3 chords and some caricature of what a “folk” or “roots” musician is supposed to be or a hollow, feigned pretense, it is such a breath of fresh and honest air to hear the music of this band and Andrew’s words. He manages to utilize plain spoken words and almost conversational, real life dialogue with fringes of metaphor that aren’t so obscure that it only means something to the writer. The music of the band is incredibly relatable and the words contained within it follow that pattern. There is a candid frankness and sincere quality to their songs that I have searched far and wide for in other artists and found it hard to unearth. That is a quality to be appreciated unendingly in an artist’s work.
It would be a cop out and feel cheap to just say “well, this is one of my favorite records of the year”. Without fail, everything that Emily and Andrew put out inevitably ends up being added to the short list of my favorite records of all time. “Blindfaller” just further establishes that fact and Mandolin Orange as one of the most talented acts making music today. Unrestrained and boundless brilliance. I love this band more than words can properly convey.
Blindfaller is out on September 30th on Yep Roc. You can pre-order the album here: https://lnk.to/blindfaller