Mervyns is a population of one, that one being Jess Kelly. This is a VERY fresh off the vine project for Kelly and I have to say I am over the moon and completely smitten. The album is Everything Must Stay and its sound is soft but there is a lot of story and depth in this airy and fresh acoustic guitar aesthetic. I will admit, this is one of those genres that I feel gets easily flooded with congruent tricks and plays. Kelly rose above that hurdle with such effortless ease. I am not by nature an easy listening kind of gal. I am often categorized as grumpy, cantankerous and downright evil, but for this album I was happy to retract my claws and horns.
Everything Must Stay stands on three solid pillars. One, Kelly has a voice that can unwind even the tightest knot in my back. A very conversational and genuine performance style. Pillar number two, those hands know their way around a guitar. Intricate, expertly layered guitar work here, just a pure joy to listen to in such an intimate way. Pillar number three, the details, the things you almost don't notice that make such a big difference. This album was self produced by Kelly and it sounds so luxe and inviting. "That's The Boy" kicks things off for this album, and it's a dreamy ditty with stellar lyrics. The guitar work here is many levels above what I typically get for albums in this genre. The piano is also a lovely touch and helped lift this track up to a more polished level. "Softer Than Any Touch” is a foot tapper. The romance here is palatable, but it's not without gravity. There is a genuine conversation happening in the lyrics that made me smile. Coming out swinging with a delightful sense of insecurity and self scrutiny is "Why Do I Even Like You." The message here is one that is so accessible to me and to so many others I imagine. Again we get that piano and it just wooed me completely. Track number four is "Sure" and we're back in dreamland with charming vocal additives. The song is very lo-fi and lends itself to let the listening drift into their own thoughts. There is a motion that comes with it, almost like a sensation of open water waves beneath you. For the gentle finale, you get "One Wish" which is given a great percussion treatment and samples that amplify the dream aspect with the temptation to dance. The arrangement alone on this album is spectacular and just so damn thoughtful. I think that's the underlying theme here, thoughtfulness. So many tiny details all adding up to a distinctive experience. So who do I think should be giving this album a shot? Damn near everyone I think needs a shot of what this album is serving. With a world on fire, I love that Kelly is out there making an album like this. Someone needs to see the bright side or none of us will.
0 Comments
Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
Leave a Reply. |
Critique/insightWe are dedicated to informing the public about the different types of independent music that is available for your listening pleasure as well as giving the artist a professional critique from a seasoned music geek. We critique a wide variety of niche genres like experimental, IDM, electronic, ambient, shoegaze and much more.
Are you one of our faithful visitors who enjoys our website? Like us on Facebook
Archives
May 2024
|