I’m still in a stage of shock regarding Mutual Benefit. At the band show on Friday night at the Mohawk I could do little more than smile as watched transfixed. The show took place in the intimate environ of Mohawk’s indoor room, and the room was entirely full. Songwriter Jordan Lee and his band held the crowd enrapt with what can only be called a gorgeous spell–something magical like gossamer or silk or light.
Conceived by Lee, the project balances traditional instruments such as violin, banjo, and acoustic guitar with electronic flourishes and gently ambient sounds. Over the mix sit Lee’s vocals, delicate and sincere, hesitantly beautiful. Comparisons have been made between Sufjan Stevens and The Microphones. These points of reference target some of my favorite artists living and making music today, and It’s fair to say that I’m protective of who might be compared to them. Still, Lee’s sensibilities work in the direction of these songwriter, and similarities exist. Perhaps most exciting is that the music community could see soaring greatness from a new musical visionary. Mutual Benefit’s album Love’s Crushing Diamond is truly remarkable; let’s hope what’s to come proves even more significant.
Poppy Red opened the night with a set of dichotomously raucous and ambient music. The band embraces elements of shoegaze and post-rock with soaring, sprawling songs. Poppy Red is fronted by Molly Long, who lends the wonderful element of a female vocal to the chaos of the music that swirls around her. Long is a large part of what distinguishes the group and makes them notable. We have inside knowledge that you should be on the lookout for a new EP from Poppy Red in coming months.
See photos from the show below. All Images © Bryan Parker & Pop Press International. Click any image to open in slideshow viewer.
