PRINTAlbum Review: Mary and the Giant — Music for a Nervous Breakdown
Local folk quartet’s debut EP exhibits instrumental originality, but the lyrics fall flat
PHOTO COURTESY OF MARY AND THE GIANT
February 11, 2010 | 12:00 a.m. CST
From the outset of Columbia folk quartet Mary and the Giant’s Music for a Nervous Breakdown, the band lets the listener know one thing: These musicians are not amateurs. Violinist Michael Schembre’s performance would leave the devil down in Georgia in a sweat. Exhibiting Olympian-caliber stamina, Schembre shows jaw-dropping talent throughout the entirety of the band’s 25-minute EP. The rapport between violin and guitar feels less like notes on a scale and more like a dance on a stage. Both complement each other and give the band a more whimsical sound.
At times, the vocals mirror punk-turned-folk acts such as Jeff Ott or Chuck Ragan while other parts reflect musical heartthrobs such as Ray LaMontagne or Mason Jennings. The vocals provide a solid backbone for this ensemble but do not scream originality. Despite using creative imagery, Mary and the Giant rarely ventures from the topic of bad relationships. Although relationships are a major source of nervousness, a more appropriate title for this album would be Music for a Nervous Breakup.
Beyond the mundane lyrics lies the band’s greatest conundrum: percussion. Mary and the Giant keeps your toes tapping, but just a simple backing beat could give the album a more complete feel. Without drums keeping the listener afloat, it’s easy to drown in violin dizziness.
Mary and the Giant is taking the right steps toward becoming a Columbia favorite. Regardless of the need for some technical tweaking, any local music enthusiast can find something to enjoy from this folk quartet.
Rating: VVV – Borrow a friend’s copy.
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