The Other Side
Self-Released, 2021
8/10
A Houston artist who is well versed at songs about love, heartache and self-discovery, Mabilene makes the most of these 10 tracks with orchestral and pop ideas entering her charming brand of Americana.
“Against The Wall” opens the listen with both grit and melody as Anders Fleming’s thumping drums complement Mabilene’s soulful singing, and “Carolina” follows with a dense delivery that benefits from graceful strings and agile guitar thanks to Jeremy Fetzer to accent the poetic vocals.
The title track lands in the middle and offers pretty singing from Mabilene amid the lush, rootsy climate, while “How Glad I Am” enters dreamy territory as the songstress shows much range alongside stirring strings.
Landing near the end, “Old Magnolia” resides in folk areas of eloquence and grace where the intricate acoustic guitar suits Mabilene’s wise voice superbly, and “Another Vanished Year” finishes the listen bare, heartfelt and full of the sort of timeless songwriting that populates the entire listen.
An excellent debut, the chamber arrangements, pop friendly melodies and, of course, her stunning vocals, make The Other Side an exceptional debut and a sign of even better things to come for this rising talent.
Travels well with: Lilly Hiatt- Walking Proof; Josie Bello- Have Purpose Live Long