Bandits On the Run Rough Magic
I must be listening to a different group from other writers because I don’t hear Fleetwood Mac or the Mamas & Papas in this pensive collection. Instead, I hear slices of The Refugees, Indigo Girls, Burning Bridgett Cleary & maybe even a tinge of The Roches.
This is the NYC trio’s sophomore album of 14 Rough Magic (Drops June 12/Independent/52:07) tracks produced & mixed by William Garrett & recorded in studios in New York. While the opening tune “Am I Your Mirror?” is a good introduction to the vocalizing spell of this group, it’s “O My Soul” that’s arranged with an exhilarating posture, noirish at times, moody & subtle. Lovely harmonics in Van Gogh colors, if that can be imagined with its gentle instrumentation.
A bit edgier & rock-trifling is “Wood Alone At Night” that borders on the aliveness of The Roches with a generous dip into vocalese of Anita O’Day. Yes, you heard right. Interesting. The overlaying vocals & interplay are appealing. The showcase is well recorded & captures their skillful vocals & musicianship with clarity. Singers Adrian Blake Enscoe (guitar/suitcase drum), Sydney Shepherd (cello) & Regina Strayhorn (accordion) take a more spiritual swipe with “May This Love” that while not as powerful as a gospel tune has its spiritual airs prevalent in their floating soft as a feather in the breeze voices.
Musically, some songs even sound like the harmonies of girl groups from the ‘50s & early ‘60s. Just not as mainstream as they were. An example would be the Shangri-Las (“The Sweet Sounds of Summer”). The majority of their repertoire has a warm intimacy, a bit lush & sometimes spare sounding, but always impeccably performed.
Sung by Adrian is an upbeat detour into “LostLostLost.” And from there the trio slides into a more traditionally sounding “Tilted Universe.” Something you’d hear in the mountains of Appalachia, soaked in vibrant strings that would also be from a pub in Ireland. Motivating dancers to leave their chairs & Guinness. This is a keeper.
“Love Pass Through” has the musical sensibility of Canada’s McGarrigle Sisters & the tight harmonic blends of The Roches – another impressive piece. The Mamas & Papas were a unique harmonic group, no doubt, but they were far more commercial than anything Bandits On the Run displays.
Highlights – “Am I Your Mirror?” “O My Soul,” “Wood Alone At Night,” “May This Love,” “LostLostLost,” “Tilted Universe,” “Song For Jon,” “Rough Magic,” & “Love Pass Through.”
Musicians – Sam D’Agostino (bass), & Dan Holodark (drums/percussion).
Cover photo courtesy of Mara Rothman. Trio picture from their Bandcamp site. CD @ Bandcamp & https://banditsontherun.com/