Learning How To Swim
Self-Released, 2021
8/10
Listen to Learning How To Swim
A Los Angeles multi-instrumentalist with a very fertile imagination, this debut from Mackin Carroll is full of songs about outer space, heartbreak, and food, and it’s delivered in a way that might bring you back to the indie-rock scene 20 years ago.
The title track opens the listen with warm and intimate sounds, as Dick Carroll’s whistling and Carter Couron’s precise drumming makes for a dreamy climate, and “Black Hole Song (I Miss You)” follows with Mackin’s playful keys and versatile singing shining in both the bare and loud moments.
Approaching the middle, “Creature Of Habit” showcases Sara Mulford’s keys and Quinn D’Andrea’s backing vocals in a folk-friendly landscape, while “Intermission” strums firmly amid Couron’s drumming acrobatics. “Vampires” might be the best tune present, as it gets a bit scrappy with some nostalgic singer-songwriter appeal.
Near the end, “No Tiger” offers a charming version of timeless indie-folk, and “Hangin’ Out” exits the listen with Mackin handling all instruments in a vulnerable, eloquent and well thought out finish.
A listen that rarely stays in one place very long, garage-rock, folk-rock and alt-rock are present, and Mackin’s very distinct storytelling makes for a clever, memorable first album that is hopefully the start of a prolific career.
Travels well with: Conor Oberst- Salutations; Sea Wolf- Through A Dark Wood