Nico Muhly - Mothertongue
My review of Nico Muhly’s Mothertongue ran today in the Boston Phoenix.
This album caught me at just the right time. I had been listening to a lot of Philip Glass (whom Muhly has worked with and studied under) and was seeking out like-minded music. Muhly’s work definitely incorporates the minimalist influence of Glass; much of the opening suite resembles the vocal performances of Einstein on the Beach.
He tempers his classical influences and training with an accessible dosage of familiar post-rock arrangement.
Fans of Sigur Ros or Bjork will find it quite interesting, as it occupies some of the same territory: experimental yet familiar, progressive yet tightly composed.
A particularly standout performance on the album comes from singer Sam Amidon, whose twangy vocals give the final suite, “The Only Tune,” a startling poignancy. I’m definitely going to have to check out his solo work now, and hope to catch both Muhly and Amidon when they come to Boston together in August.
Leave a Comment