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There is music that comes from the head and music that comes
from the gut. Mary Lorson & Saint Low’s music is
definitely the latter. Lorson’s soulful outpouring is underscored
by pleading piano, crying violin and yearning trumpets. Formerly
the voice of Madder Rose, Lorson’s sound is full and
strong enough to carry the massive songs on Tricks For
Dawn.
Opening with the winding of a music box and its light, tinkling
tune, the 11 jazz and orchestral-infused songs feature a group
of talented musicians and guests (including former Lemonheads'
frontman Evan Dando) who prove that sophisticated pop
is not an oxymoron. With instrumental interludes interspersed,
the songs range from lilting ("Friends, I Have Been Drinking")
to fervent ("Oh Regret") to weighty ("Strange
Gift").
Throughout the album, especially the moody "Your Lament,"
I picture Lorson in a smoky bar, behind a grand piano. Though
lyrically the album is somewhat predictable, "Long Way
Down" includes the clever turn of phrase the burning
sugar smell of you in love with someone else. Dark and
confessional, the title track is the most stripped down, relying
mostly on piano and harp to support the intimate vocals (Tonight
the walls have no secrets).
Mary Lorson & Saint Low’s music is beautiful because
it’s complex without seeming showy or academic. For all the
masterful technique, it is music that doesn’t cease to be
instinctive and accessible.
— Jennifer Conrad
Track List:
- Planet Pleasant Grove
- Morningless Dreamer
- Friends, I Have Been Drinking
- Interlude Number Two
- Oh Regret
- Strange Gift
- Anything Can Happen
- Your Lament
- Blast Off
- Accelerate
- Long Way Down
- Tricks For Dawn
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