RIYL: Sean Hayes, Chris Bathgate, Alexis Harte, Chris Volpe, Amy Blaschke
Its discouraging to think that anyone with the good looks of Mia Mustari and Jonah Blumstein of the roots folk duo Mia and Jonah would be so unlucky in love, but at least they’re willing to share. Since first meeting in late 2003, the Irvine, California pair has nurtured and refined a unique style of gently rocking acoustic songwriting that relies on sparse production and the dark sultry voice of Mustari to evoke an engaging range of down-and-out characters.
“Rooms for Adelaide”, the band’s second full-length, was released in 2008 and garnered enough critical acclaim and success to support a nation-wide tour. Overall, the song quality is a mixed bag, with a fair amount of filler, a handfull of solid tracks and a couple real gems. While Blumstein sings lead on a few songs, the real star here is Mustari’s voice, a smoky sumptous crooning thing that deserves its own Facebook page. Think Fiona Apple, Beth Gibbons of Portishead, or “Who Will Save Your Soul”-era Jewel.
She uses her talents to good effect on “Junkyard Dog”, a satifyingly scuzzy highlight with back-alley guitar riffing reminiscent of Tom Waits, and harmonizes beautifully with Blumstein on “Angels Down” further into the disc. All the tracks are solidly acoustic, but the pair veer away from any strummy pop sensibilities and opt for a more traditional Americana sound with raw boot-stomping rhythms and the occasional harmonica solo.
Blumstein grabs the spotlight early-on with “Wish”, a fast paced romp with wire-brushed snare and a catchy guitar riff that showcases his solid vocal skills. The song packs an emotional punch lyrically as Blumstein sings ”I wish your lips/ To touch my face/ Follow me down to the ocean well/ And We’ll wish out of this place.” Like most of the album, the song carries a poignant and vulnerable honesty that stays with the listener without the help of power-pop choruses and repetitive hooks.
With a third full length arriving later this year (check out their website for the stunning clay-mation video for “The Golden Ass”), fans should prepare to be beguiled for the forseeable future.
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