High Places is a two person team coming out of Brooklyn, NY, with Mary Pearson on vocals and Rob Barber making the sounds she both floats over, and at the same time peers out from under. For some reason I’ve always been really picky about female vocalists, but Mary Pearson evokes some of my favorites, especially Lou Rhodes (Lamb) and Olga Bell (Bell). However, this is something different, with the vocals not being sung over the instrumentation, but very much with it, and sometimes even seeming to humbly support the music instead. This is something chill to marinate your brain in, with Mary’s sweet and lilting vocals, but also music that makes you perk up and pay attention, with Rob’s echoey cacophony and creative percussion.
I love this album more with every listen, but there are a couple of highlights for me. First would be “From Stardust”, which just about made my eyes roll back in my head the first time I heard it. I hate to keep throwing out comparisons, but I can’t not tell you how much this subtly reminded me of another fave of mine, Everything But The Girl, especially the beat. The main difference is that this is done with a much more gentle hand, all coming across very delicately. Another standout track for me is “The Tree With the Lights in it”, with its slow beat and steel drum sounds. I challenge you to keep from bobbing your head to this album.
High Places- From Stardust
High Places- The Tree With the Lights in it
High Places- The Storm
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SoAngelicate
I’m listening to this now, on your recommendation although it’s a departure from the stuff I’ve been listening to recently, I’m totally digging the shimmery summery dream pop quality of it.
Shimmery is a perfect word for it, glad you enjoyed it