World Brand New
Self-Released, 2023
9/10
A supergroup of queer folk artists, Mouths Of Babes, i.e. Ingrid Elizabeth (Coyote Grace) and Ty Greenstein (Girlyman), come together with plenty of help for the 10 very diverse songs on this sophomore album.
The title track opens the listen with warm vocal harmonies, where Sean Trischka’s fluid drums and the playful handclaps draw us in immediately, and “I Do” follows with cozy ukulele from Elizabeth and Michael Connolly’s well timed bass in the heartfelt climate.
“Pictures Of You” occupies the middle spot and uses Nino Moschella’s strategic percussion and Josh Yenne’s glowing pedal steel in the very intimate delivery, while “Except For Love” benefits from Joe Chellman’s precise drumming via the rich and emotive album highlight.
“My Country” and “I Am Willing” exit the listen, where the former places much emphasis on Connelly’s graceful piano amid the poetic singing, and the latter recruits Melanie DeMore’s choir vocals for the gospel tinted finish.
A listen that spans pop, roots, blues, folk and Americana, both personal and political wordplay surrounds these well thought out songs that can bring to mind Lucinda Williams, Adele or even Mumford, as the married duo (who are both multi-instrumentalists and sing) document queer love with insight and eloquence.
Travels well with: Lauren Monroe- Messages From Aphrodite; Amy Jay- Awake Sleeper