Mother Coyote – When the War Comes EP
There are only 4 original Andriana Lehr (singer/songwriter) tracks that shape When the War Comes (Drops Feb 11/Independent/17:19). An extended play (EP) produced by Andy Thompson (piano/keys/guitars/violin/bgv) in Minneapolis, MN with music performed by Ms. Lehr as Mother Coyote.
The music is alt-pop with a touch of tight universal storytelling. Some darkly personal soundscapes as created by Mother Coyote. The subjects navigate through birth, death, healing, soul-searching & the frustrating wait that something optimistic & positive will come.
I’m old school, have heard these kinds of thoughts through music before. It’s a hard lens to focus through but each time an artist pontificates on this topic it’s not pointless. I feel there’s a thread of hope. At least someone tries through their art to wake up those who are pessimistic & feel the world’s wasted. Someone has to shine a brighter light on what makes people, places & things beautiful, worth saving & retaining. This music is a good starting point.
The point is — if an artist like Mother Coyote wishes to apply its repertoire of songs to something that could spark a listener to think & feel – maybe that’s what music is supposed to do. So long as there’s an element of entertainment, it doesn’t become a drag.
This EP starts with the title track’s poignant melody (“When The War Comes”). It has haunting vocals submerged in a gripping Pink Floyd-type progressive rock drama. Folk music with muscle. However, it’s not pompous or pretentious but lovely, absolutely lovely in its progression. Skillfully layered instruments that sound otherworldly in headphones. A hint of Jarboe (Swans), Dead Can Dance’s Lisa Gerrard & Kate Bush when Andriana Lehr begins to let her velvety smooth pipes soar. Excitement abounds.
“Eden” is just as accessible though the lyrics are a bit hard to discern. The performance is captivating nonetheless since Andriana’s range is impressive. Her voice doesn’t have a bluesy tint but more of an ethereal Enya on steroids. No showboating – she uses her power for accentuation, color & effect. “The Tower” is more understandable & sung in a stirring fashion with a relevant arrangement & steady beat to render it more mainstream.
Despite the subjects, nothing is performed in a preachy manner. This isn’t folk music. The songs are constructed as Mother Coyote performances first. Almost all have a theatrical quality that’s commendable with intense guitar leads & diligent playing.
It isn’t for every ear, but the tunes aren’t mediocre, melancholy, or decadent. The music is arranged smartly with enough diversity to be of interest. “The Great Unknown” is the most sensitive — with horns blaring & leading to tender piano notes to the end. Quite impressive.
Musicians – Dan Lawonn (guitar/cello), Ian Martin Allison (bass), Grady Kenevan (drums), Ken Chastain (percussion) & Jordan Katz (horns).
CD cover & color image courtesy of Katina Elizabeth Photography. CD @ Bandcamp & https://www.mothercoyote.com/