Tuesday, April 27, 2010

The Mynabirds - "What We Lose in the Fire We Gain in the Flood"



After the breakup of Georgie James, her acclaimed project with John Davis (Q and not U, Title Tracks), Laura Burhenn quickly began writing the songs that would become The Mynabirds’ debut album What We Lose in the Fire We Gain in the Flood. Though considered a solo effort at first, Laura collaborated with Richard Swift who produced, played multiple instruments and provided background vocals on these stylized 60’s throwback indie-pop gems.

The album opens with the title track led by piano, a walking bass line and Laura’s gorgeous, organic voice, before transitioning into a triumphant ending complete with jazzy horns provided by Nate Walcott (Bright Eyes). “Let The Record Go” stands out with hard-charging piano and a smokey, Chan Marshall-meets-Dusty Springfield crooning vocal performance. The first single, “The Numbers Don’t Lie” is a modern take on the doo-wop girl-group sound, complete with “ooh, la, la’s”. “Give it Time” is Gospel-tinged and features the first guitars on the album as does the Mazzy Star-like sentiment of the guitar-driven “Ways of Looking”. “Wash It Out” is upbeat and poppy with jabs of guitar and an instantly catchy chorus. “We Made a Mountain” features a soulful horn arrangement along with a Bluesy piano romp that sounds timeless. “Good Heart” closes out the album with pedal steel and longing vocal harmonies for a classic Country sound.


Touchstones such as Dusty Springfield, Motown and Neil Young are noticeable but its Laura’s voice and songwriting that take the spotlight on the fantastic What We Lose in the Fire We Gain in the Flood, out today on Saddle Creek Records.




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