Union City, NJ’s The Maravines waited until the waning hours of 2014 to unveil its sophomore release Distelfink, and what a truly melancholy way it must have been for fans to start off their new year.
Underneath all the lo-fi production, sullen harmonies, and reserved instrumental accompaniment provided by percussionist Evan Pope lies a truly heartbroken songwriter in Chris Lee. There’s no light at the end of this record, just dreary poetics and emotional depression. However there is a true beauty both structurally and creatively to this collection, which is ultimately the source of Distelfink and The Maravines allure.
The majority of great song writers and their beloved catalogues have one common thread. Though they may vary in style, delivery, and subject matter, these masters of their craft are able to design the message for audience consumption and participation. In other words, no matter how bleak the content may seem, I still want to sing a long and bask in the The Maravines’ dismal bedroom pop concoctions.
Stream Distelfink below, pick it up via Mint 400 Records here, and stay tuned for more from The Maravines.
