Merlynn Belle
Kill Rock Stars, 2021
9/10
The Texas duo of Natalie Ribbons and Jason Chronis, as Tele Novella the pair have always been supported by a full band, but here they’ve stepped into minimal territory, where each song was recorded in one full take and fleshed out one at a time with just Robbins’ captivating pipes and Chronis’ multi-instrumental skill.
“Words That Stay” starts the listen with distinct, expressive singing that aligns with psyche-friendly, folk melodies and “It Won’t Be Long” follows with a quirky spirit of retro ideas that seems like they could soundtrack a musical.
As we approach the middle, the whistling of “Wishing Shrine” draws us in to the spacey-folk setting that likely might emanate from the AM dial, while “One Little Pearl” is a vocally strong and tuneful display of strategic tambourine and agile guitar playing that showcases atypical harmonies. “A Lot To Want”, one of the album’s best, then takes a darker turn into a percussively strong and richly textured, psychedelic cowboy nods.
Near the end, “Desiree” contains a near lullaby quality in its mysterious beauty, and “Technicolor Town” exits the listen with plenty of ambience amid soft, soothing singing that highlights the rustic balladry.
Having moved from Austin to Lockhart, Texas recently, Tele Novella seems to be shifting into their most creative work to date, as evidenced by this profoundly unique sophomore album. If you find yourself identifying with outsider country, baroque folk or lo-fi, psyche-pop, or just want to hear something iconoclastic, Merlynn Belle will not disappoint.
Travels well with: Alpha Cat- Pearl Harbor 2020; Beth Lee- Waiting On You Tonight