Girlyman formed in 2001 in Brooklyn, where the three friends shared an apartment; their first rehearsal was scheduled for Tuesday, September 11. It was postponed, but the events of that day helped the trio clarify its vision: “We decided to just have fun,” explains Nate, “and not take ourselves too seriously. We started by naming our new band Girlyman.” Others, however, took the group quite seriously. The first few years brought critical acclaim, awards, and long opening runs with the Indigo Girls and Dar Williams. The group quickly became a strong headliner in its own right, and now plays in every corner of the country to intensely loyal ‘girlyfans’ who often travel hundreds of miles to see sell-out shows.

On stage they often finish one another’s sentences or burst into improvised three-part ditties so tight they seem rehearsed. Now based in Atlanta, Doris Muramatsu and Tylan Greenstein became friends in second grade. The two then met Nate Borofsky in college at a talent show, and since then they’ve been creating their own unique language of three-part harmony. Influenced by 60s vocal groups like Simon & Garfunkel and The Mamas and the Papas, and infused with years of classical and jazz training, Girlyman’s songs blend acoustic with pop and Americana. EVERYTHING’S EASY is the band’s fourth studio album.

‘Tell Me There’s A Reason’ opens the album and sums up all the above. Maramatsu has the most natural and easy voice, there’s a powerful melody, simple instrumental arrangement and lyrics. ‘Easy Bake Ovens’ is even stronger and illustrates just how well all vocals work so well together. The harmonies are some of the best I’ve heard from a pop act and there’s another powerful melody with a simple and very effective acoustic backdrop. Youth and its trials and tribulations scream out from the grooves of this CD with ‘Could Have Guessed’ an excellent example. ‘Wherever You Keep’ is another laid-back beauty which reminds me of the Beatles gentler moments.

There’s fifteen tracks here and the’re all good. Stylistically, the band has a distinctive sound that, with few exceptions, washes over you like the gentlest, warmest rain, with melodies capable of sticking in one’s head.  In times like these, Girlyman offers welcome respite - put it on, press play, close your eyes and drift away.

EVERYTHING’S EASY is on the Girlyman Inc. label and is released on 15 March, 2010.

4/5

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