[rating=4]
Bonnie & Mariee is borne from the simple request of Britt Govea (Spiritual Pajamas) that Bonnie “Prince” Billy collaborate on a track with Mariee Sioux. Billy, taking the request further, suggested a project which would combine the pair’s songwriting and melody making skills, with each offering up a tune to pair lyrics to and vice versa.
The result is a set of nostalgic and naturalistic songs; four tracks bookended by two piano driven ruminations, rich with deft instrumentation from Farmer Dave (Beachwood Sparks), Nate Walcott (Bright Eyes) and Dave Brennan of Hope Sandoval’s band. With Bella Union’s Johnathan Wilson at the recording helm, placing the tracks on analogue, the EP is an unlikely work in so far as the breadth of talent and sonic detailing that is captured, and the authentic vintage production achieved.
With a juxtaposed selection of sounds from piano led opener ‘Not Mocked’, onto the psych-jam of ‘Bird Child”s electric, full band, before bewitching with the whispering and hooting calls of Sioux’s gypsy folk lead on ‘Loveskulls’, Will Oldham’s moniker here finds the perfect place to root his warm and deep timbre, and Sioux a perfect nest for her shrill bird call.
Review by Melanie McGovern
Bonnie and Mariee is released on Spiritual Pajamas
