The Irrepressibles – Mirror Mirror
Mirror Mirror is an album by The Irrepressibles that will startle and surprise a lot of people, but for me, it’s also one of the year’s best albums so far.
The Irrepressibles themselves are a ten-piece unit that aren’t so much a band but more of a mini-orchestral ensemble, lead by Jamie McDermott, who not only provides lead vocals and guitar but is also the artistic director and composer. What lays before the listener are twelve tracks of exquisite chamber pop that has a wide-range of influences. From Antony & The Johnsons to Grizzly Bear to David Bowie, it all makes for an album that feels original.
McDermott’s voice, which reaches several high notes in his falsetto range, is very much his own despite sounding like so many other terrific singers on the surface. His range on Knife Song sounds like Thom Yorke had he gone to drama school whilst songs like Splish! Splash! Sploo! show him at his most playful. In his performances you can also detect influences of Antony Hegarthy, which is no surprise given how both artists’ similar ideas of what makes good pop music.
The songs on Mirror Mirror itself are all incredibly solid and memorable, and some would argue that they don’t need the lavish arrangements but those arguments are unfounded. The musical backing adds depth and an unexpected muscular driving force. The best song, without question, is the truly serene In Your Eyes, which takes a tune with an already beautiful melody and gorgeous vocal delivery and make it more atmospheric and dramatic with every flutter and swirl that the orchestra throws at it.
This is an incredibly mesmerising listen. Come the summer it will feel like the perfect soundtrack to walks in the park with loved ones and one can imagine that all twelve songs will blossom even more. What’s even more amazing is how this album has virtually come out of nowhere (I only decided to give it a spin after reading a couple of very favourable reviews a month or two ago) and presented itself as one of the unexpected and thrilling surprises of the year so far and I urge you to give it a chance too.
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Posted on March 1st, 2010 by Max
Filed under: Albums, Reviews
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