Some albums feel like just a collection of songs, nothing wrong with that, but often, having listened to what they have to offer, you come away feeling that the band or artist could be from anywhere on the planet. Magnolia Soul, the debut album from Cypress Key, isn’t that; in fact, it is nothing less than the sound of a very definite place. Even if you didn’t know this duo was from Louisiana, its blend of Southern rock and sassy soul would at least lead you to conclude that we are way south of the Mason-Dixon line.
“A Way Home” is a perfect opening salvo, a gentle and joyous blend of pop contagion and soul groove, a song that echoes songwriter Mazz’s return to the embrace of New Orleans after a decade of making music in NYC.
“A Southern Thing” also reinforces the music’s sense of place and culture and climate and attitude, and although not so obviously, kick ass rock and roll, it has the same vibe as those classic seventies, big southern tunes such as “Freebird” and “Fall of the Peacemakers.” And if that shows they are good with the more anthemic delivery, “She’s Got the Sarcasm” shows they are great with the straight-out, boogiesome, riffy, foot-on-the-monitor rocker, too.
And just underlying their ability to mix it up, “Brand New Feeling” takes a more roots-soul approach, understated, chiming, and indeed charming, in its execution and delivery.
Magnolia Soul is an exquisite album, one that blends all manner of sounds and styles, inspirations and influences, and excels for two reasons in particular – the songwriting is excellent, and the sense of place is unmissable. Music made by people who know, not only who they are, but where they are from.
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