Maybel – Gathering
Independent – Out Now
Not that I’m usually one to judge a book by its cover, nor should I, but I need to ask that when looking at the Montréal band Maybel’s press shot here, based on your experiences of ‘image’ what kind of music might you reasonably assume they produce? Jangly indie rock? Sparkly synth-pop, perhaps? Angular math-rock, perchance? On each count, you’d be very wrong indeed, as confounding all expectations of what roots musicians should look or dress like these four young musicians trade in the sweetest, prettiest imaginable country and bluegrass-rinsed folk music.
On this absolutely delightful debut, Gathering, across ten top-notch songs Maybel has delivered a half-hour of truly lovely original material that is not only accomplished from a performance perspective but also illustrates a rich understanding of the history, traditions and sonic dynamics of the realm they operate within. That said, there’s absolutely no sense of what Maybel do being contrived or studied, as it sounds as natural as these days are long.
Inspired by Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt’s landmark 1987 Trio album and guided by the hand of producer Jonas Bonnetta of Evening Hymns at his Mountain Grove, Ontario studio, Port William Sound, Ali Hendra (vocal, guitar, synth), Loris Kecaj (vocal, guitar, fiddle, drum, synth), Lauren Spear (vocal, banjo, guitar) and Fez Gielen (guitar, lap steel guitar, vocal, drums, autoharp, whistle) harmonize exquisitely, often sounding for all the world like a contemporary Carter Family. Along the way, a variety of country-folk styles are on display, from midtempo foot-tappers like the opening Bird Song, through aching acoustic balladry (Two Left Feet, Alright / In the Middle / Mary), waltz-time tunes (Can’t Abandon My Love) and acapella (Player). Mary is a particular highlight, gently easing as it does from ballad to waltz for 30 blissful seconds, and back again, towards the end.
Apart from recording and mixing the album – in just five days, no less – Bonnetta chips in with Rhodes, percussion and synth, while Caylie Runciman (Boyhood) contributes bass and drums. You will note that synths are listed as played by Bonnetta, Hendra and Kecaj, but don’t be misled: their presence is barely noticeable, adding just the very subtlest of effects here and there on what is unquestionably a collection of organic folk material.
A new name in Canadian indie-folk circles, then, and on the strength of this truly charming first… ahem…gathering of sweet originals, definitely one to keep a very close eye on.
Order Gathering via Bandcamp: https://maybel.bandcamp.com/
https://www.instagram.com/maybelband/
Photo Credit: Shannon Stewart