From Liberty Street

まるでグレイトフル・デッド、もしくはグラム・パーソンズなLA発アコギデュオ2nd!
アコギ2本を基調として70年代カントリーロックの影響ダイレクトでまさに名盤探検隊な若き2人組。「ワーキング・マンズ・デッド」(祝50周年!)風スワンプ風味もある(1)、スライドソロもニクく、グラム・パーソンズぶりを隠さない様が好感な(3)、テックス・メックス風味(3)ではアコギインスト部分でも聴かせ、(4)ではフレッド・ニール的アシッド入り浮遊感を演出、(5)では西海岸AORも薫らせるなど、予想以上のサウンドの多彩さと二人のハーモニーの爽やかさで全編高水準の傑作!
(C)新宿店:村越 辰哉

Sam Blasucci and Clay Finch are Mapache, a charismatic close harmony duo whose breezy West Coast folk songs traverse country rock, light psychedelia, cowboy music, and even Mexican traditions. The two native Los Angelenos have been friends since high school when their mutual interest in skateboarding and songwriting helped solidify a burgeoning creative partnership. Although their personal paths diverged for a few years, both eventually returned to L.A. and were soon collaborating in various bands -- including a Grateful Dead tribute act -- before paring down to their current acoustic duo format. Released in 2017, Mapaches eponymous debut established their core organic sound and was recorded live in a studio around a single microphone. For their follow-up, From Liberty Street, Blasucci and Finch took a more relaxed approach, working out the material theyd written on the road and recording it in their shared home (on Liberty Street) with a group of close friends. A charming blend of off-the-cuff experimentation and ever-deepening songwriting chops, the 14 songs here feel familiar and worn-in without bowing to the usual tropes that run so rampant through American roots music. Whether its the woody jangle of Cowboy, the spacey Coyote, or the springy Face Is Blue, their take on classic Western fare is full of small surprises, sophistication, and tons of personality. Mapaches affinity for Mexican music plays out in a trio of Spanish-language originals that are among the sets highlights, giving them a distinctive Southwestern flavor that helps set them apart from other contemporary Everly- and Louvin-loving close harmony duos. The loose spirit of early-70s Dead, Neil Young, and Gram Parsons all thread their way into Mapaches quilt, but ultimately they have their own thing going on and no track better represents their abilities than the excellent Cactus Flower. Nimble and jazzy with unique harmonies and a gorgeous fiddle part by Sara Watkins, its the beating heart of this strong sophomore album. ~ Timothy Monger