The Americana Dream
Yellow House, 2025
9/10
This sophomore album from the Minnesota outfit spearheaded by Maygen Lacey and Noah Neumann sees Maygen & The Birdwatcher weaving in and out of folk, Americana and country fueled songs that might bring to mind Lake Street Dive or Alison Krauss.
“Gates Of Heaven” opens with Lacey’s alluring voice alongside Peter Anderson’s thumping drums and strong attention to atmosphere, and “Feel Good” follows with Nik Pellinen’s frisky banjo and Jesse Moravec’s colorful mandolin that make for a festive, bluegrass delivery.
Getting close to the middle, “Millie Moon” has Neumann handling lead vocals amid John Fields’ animated accordion and Evin Haukos’ lively fiddle, while “Diamonds In The Bluff” is a softer moment of sublime beauty via Lacey’s intimate pipes.
Closer to the end, “All I Know (This Love)” enlists chunky banjo and Joe Barron’s strategic bass that suits the heartfelt singing that you could dance to, and “Danny” exits with a more bare moment that places Pellinen on dobro, which complements Lacey’s poetic voice and Neumann’s dreamy guitar.
A harmonic, soulful and meticulous effort, the 6 piece cover a lot of territory here, where each track takes on its own distinct identity and is just as memorable as the one before it.
Travels well with: Adam Chaffins- Trailer Trash; Breymer- When I Get Through