Click Click Domino
Thirty Tigers, 2021
9/10
The British duo Ida Mae never disappoint, and this time around they bring guests Marcus King and Jake Kiszka into an atypical version of indie-rock that’s rhythmic, full of sturdy riffs and well timed keys that includes insightful wordplay about the repercussions of today’s reliance on social media.
“Road To Avalon” starts the listen with precisely picked guitar as soft, dreamy singing enters the gorgeous, atmospheric opener that tips its hat to mountain folk music, and the title track follows with King’s talent on hand, where a rugged, bluesy approach unfolds with both grace and adventurousness.
Further into the listen, “Little Liars” pairs synthetic drumming with a cautious, even haunting display of retro-rock, while “Deep River” has King back for a country influenced roots rocker that sizzles with energy. “Calico Coming Down”, another exceptional track, then brings a folksy strummer to the affair, where bare moments are met with busier, flowing textures.
Arriving near the end, the sturdy blues rocker “Mountain Lion Blues” emits soulful qualities amid a thick, southern rock climate, and “Has My Midnight Begun” finishes the listen with a slow burning and sublime execution of incredible skill and agile instrumentation.
Recorded in their Nashville home after their tour was halted due to the pandemic, Ethan Johns handles drumming on the record and Nick Pini plays bass, as Chris Turpin and Stephanie Jean bring instruments like a banjo ukulele, vintage synthesizers, a mellotron and others to their most daring work yet. Having spent a massive amount of time traveling the country for the past couple of years, Turpin and Jean’s keen observations are soundtracked by nostalgic rock’n’roll, country, folk and soul moments that are quickly making them one of the most exciting outfits that exists today.
Travels well with: Robert Finley- Sharecropper’s Son; Jonah Tolchin- Fires For The Cold