The Innocence Mission – Midwinter Swimmers
It’s been 35 years since the first Innocence Mission graced our speakers. It’s not wild stuff like Heart, Blondie, or even Dead Can Dance — but based more on an expressive, ambient, emotional & poignant realm. Popular with the indie-alterative-pop scene.
The Innocent Mission progressed & continues to provide a gossamer of stylistically woven melodies that are strong in a gentle way. There are 11 lavish freestyle strokes to Midwinter Swimmers (Drops Nov 29/Bella Union/P-Vine/Therese Records/40:13) produced by the Lancaster, PA band comprised of Don & Karen Peris.
Originating in 1986 & signed to major labels their past songs appeared in many motion pictures. Karen continues to be the primary songwriter & with the release of this set, their new music shapes their 13th album with their consistent & dependable repertoire.
The arrangements are made up of crystalline sound in a banquet of notes that surround the showcase’s “cake” with frosting. You don’t “see” the song until you cut into it with your attention. The tunes are sublime, subtle & not in your face with any amount of intensity outside of their unfiltered & fleet-fingered instrumental runs.
Karen focuses more on techniques that add to her expressive voicings. The lyrics are wisely provided in the package & the meanings come into focus if followed. Many lyrics aren’t the typical dribbling of second-rate rhyme poetry that’s applied to countless pop tunes. Karen carefully conceives her imaginative scenarios.
Some melodies are bittersweet & melancholy. But gradients come through & the instrumentality fleshes out the decorative nature. There’s a luxuriance. The only drawback is the excessive vocal treatments, echo & enhancements that weigh the Karen Peris warmth down. Her voice doesn’t need that effect constantly. And because of it — their music is an acquired taste. But so is wine.
Karen writes her narratives & blends each with delicacy. It’s like clay being molded into a figure, a face, or a curvaceous body. Beautiful but it’s still clay. You appreciate the form, not the ingredients. It’s not food.
“We Would Meet In Center City,” “A Hundred Flowers” & “Sisters & brothers,” are three of the more accessible tunes. There’s drama & mood. Many melodies are pinned down like colorful butterflies on a velvet display board.
The CD package is a handsome thick 6-panel with lyrics printed on the inner panels.
Highlights – “This Thread Is a Green Street,” “Midwinter Swimmers,” “The Camera Divides The Coast of Maine,” “We Would Meet In Center City,” “A Hundred Flowers” & “Sisters & Brothers.”
Musicians – Karen (nylon string, baritone & electric rhythm guitars/electric bass/piano/pump organ/melodica/mirage & mellotron/vocals), Don (electric & acoustic guitars/drums/vocals) & Mike Bitts (upright bass/electric bass guitar).
Image courtesy of the Innocence Mission’s Facebook. CD @ Bandcamp & https://www.theinnocencemission.com/