as above now so below
Self-Released, 2024
9/10
Listen to as above now so below
The Texas duo of Mike McClure and Chrislyn Lawrence, as Crow and Gazelle they make harmonic and acoustic sounds across this debut album.
The acoustic guitar fueled title track starts the listen with cozy vocal harmonies amid much folk influenced warmth, and “Closer To Heaven” follows with Lawrence’s expressive pipes front and center alongside subtle, aching strings.
Further along, “These Are The Days” is full of organic melodies and a bit of fuller approach, while “Still Free To Fly” takes that lead into a lush album highlight that uses keys for the poetic delivery.
Closer to the end, “The Only Thing” allows Lawrence’s pretty voice to resonate amid the intimacy that benefits from McClure’s pipes and fluid strumming, and “Under The Same Sun” exits with the duo’s sincerity and beauty making for a timeless finish.
A highly reflective affair that’s sometimes tinted with melancholy, the pair make for a soulful and ultimately romantic first album that’s immediately gripping.
Travels well with: Robby Hecht- Not A Number; The Resonant Rogues- The Resonant Rogues