LAWRENCE ARABIA is the pseudonym of James Milne, born 1981 in Christchurch, New Zealand. James has already established a rich musical resume as a former member of the Brunettes, The Ruby Suns and one-time touring member of Okkervil River. He has also produced for films and theatre and wrote the score for the indie film hit, “Eagle vs Shark”. CHANT DARLING is his UK and Bella Union debut.

Mountain Man is (as described by themselves), “a creature growing from the mouths of, Molly Erin Sarle, Alexandra Sauser-Monnig and Amelia Randall Meath.” They met at Bennington College in the small town of Bennington, Vermont. It was not until Molly visited Bennington during a term off that the seeds of Mountain Man were set. On hearing Molly playing a song in the living room of their shared house, Amelia demanded she taught it to her, singing Dog Song over and over until Amelia felt she could remember it well enough to teach Alex. When Molly came back to Bennington in the spring, all three sang together for the first time. All equally amazed by the sound they made together, Mountain Man was formed. Each member writes for the band, writing a cappella songs nestled in the tradition of American folk, with the occasional use of an acoustic guitar. Their songs are shaped by three searching voices, encompassing harmonies and a shared belief in and love of the world. They are mutually moved to sing by their love for people, and for trees, birds and mountains, the ocean, the night, the moon, and being a woman.

So, how does this love of the world and its little people translate into music? In truth, I’m not sure. My big moment arrived with the distinctive and original ‘The Crew Of The Commodore’ - one of the most interesting songs I’ve heard in ‘10. I love the changes of pace and instrumental arrangement, I love its big melody and distant vocals. I love its cinematic feel and its harmonies, and for me its easily the pick of this album. I like the gay abandon of ‘I’ve Smoked Too Much’ and its country guitars. I quite like the haunting and distant echoed tones of ‘Dream Teacher’ with its authentic Beach Boys feel. ‘Apple Pie Bed’ offers a mix of Motown and Surfin’ USA which I also quite like. I also like the humour of ‘The Beautiful Young Crew’, but, I’m having trouble finding ‘killer tracks’ and real musical distinction. This is a ‘nice’ album but not a great one.

3/5