Love Is The Only Thing
Righteous Babe, 2022
9/10
Listen to Love Is The Only Thing
The singer-songwriter and guitarist Peter Mulvey aligns himself with the fellow Milwaukeeans Sistastrings for the effort, where an anti-fascist theme surrounds loss, tension and the love that guides us through it.
“Shenandoah” opens the listen with a very intimate interpretation of the 19th century ballad, where Mulvey’s expressive pipes and gorgeous acoustic guitar illuminates the bare climate that leads into a fuller display of soaring strings, and “Soft Animal” follows with a cozy mid-tempo track of folk friendly guitar and stirring cello.
Deeper into the listen, “Early Summer of ‘21” offers an upbeat and indeed summery display of soothing vocal harmonies and atmospheric strings, while “On The Eve Of The Inaugural” enters waltz territory with Mulvey’s vivid storytelling that benefits much from well timed drums and a bit of gospel influence.
Close to the end, “February Too” flows with a romantic spirit that pairs elegant strings with playful guitar, and “Love Is The Only Thing” exits the listen with one of the fuller tracks, where firm drums, strummed guitar and dreamy strings complement the loud choruses and rowdy verses.
The Sistastrings consists of Monique Ross (cello, background vocals) and Chauntee Ross (violin, background vocals), and Nathan Kilen handles drums, percussion and background vocals. Together, along with Mulvey’s always thoughtful and absorbing vision, they make for much appreciated folk/Americana formula that’s nothing short of exceptional.
Travels well with: Pieta Brown- Freeway; Peter Mulvey- There Is Another World