Search - Mazarin :: We're Already There

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Amelia Bedelia | USA | 08/12/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"About a week ago, I was in a local record store, not really paying attention, when I heard ocean sounds followed by the beautiful, simplistic strumming of "Louise" start to play over the store's speaker system. It instantly caught my attention. Then I heard the singer, Quentin Stoltzfus, begin to sing in an earnest, clear voice. I had to know what it was. I asked the clerk and he informed me that it was the new Mazarin album, his third. To my shame, I had somehow missed this great artist through two albums. I purchased the CD a few days later, unable to get the song out of my head and wanting badly to hear it.



Overall, I have been incredibly pleased with the album. I've already listened to it over five times in a period of three days. It's a CD I'm very proud to own.



In the album, the songs are often layered with bells and varying percussive sounds, which makes the album's sound refreshingly different. I would like to congratulate Mr. Stoltzfus for writing songs where the tambourine is actually effectively used. "The New American Apathy" serves well to hook you and bring you into the album. This song, in my opinion, also provides a better alternative to any Postal Service song. Think about it. "Another One Goes By" is sure to get stuck in your head in an enjoyable way. As a former drummer, Stoltzfus chooses to mix up the drum beats, sometimes using a drum kit and sometimes electronic beats. Sean Byrne plays drums on the album (as well as on the two previous Mazarin records) and also deserves credit for his skills.



This album has a drive that is sorely missing from most music these days. While I can never remember the name of "At 12 to 6" until the chorus kicks in, I find myself saying "Oh yeah, I forgot how good this song is" almost every time. The contribution of Walter Martin, of the Walkmen (another great band), can be heard in "I'll see you in the Evening" and "Northeast Winter." He plays the Farfisa Compact, which essentially sounds organ-like and adds a certain depth to the two songs for which I am grateful. The sound is more prominent in "Northeast Winter" where it rings through to the last lingering note.



The two instrumental songs, "Shroed(er)/inger" and "Kenyan Heat Wave," are both layered enough to keep you engaged and not too long so as to be annoying. The latter has a deeply resonating drum beat that keeps things interesting. The album's finale and title track, "We're Already There," has a free bohemian feel to it with Stoltzfus singing soothingly against the moaning, rolling guitar sounds.



I have to give Stoltzfus/Mazarin credit for creating a CD that I know I can put in around anyone and they'll turn to me and say, "This is really great." How they have been around for years without having more fame than they do, I do not know."