[rating=7.00]
Chicago’s Speck Mountain is built around the song writing pair of Marie-Claire Balabanian and Karl Briedrick. On their third album, Badwater, the pair is joined by drummer Chris Dye (formerly of Chin Up Chin Up) and organist Linda Malonis and the band drafts a wide open, woozy statement of ambient rock n’ soul. Malonis’ organ work is a highlight, creating a supportive vast texture that enhances the band’s intention to slide quietly into the ether. Songs unwind slowly as they pleasantly saunter into the subconscious. On “Slow So Long”, Balabanian’s delicate and hypnotic vocals dance with the organ and Briedrick’s deft touch on guitar and bass to form a trademark hazy yet sultry atmosphere.
Short instrumental, “Coldpoint” sees the band achieve a sweet apex, patiently flying low like a wide-winged bird sweeping across the sky, able to take a moment and enjoy the view while weaving sonic warmth. There is a satisfying sense of slow persistence on Badwater that occasionally builds to bigger crescendos, like the Neil Young-esque title track. “Young Eyes” is built around a circular guitar figure that serves as a single point of concentration to which the band returns yet from which they spiral outward. This is lustful, elegant rock n’ soul for a night with your sweetheart, a crackling fire, dim lights, and a little whiskey. Speck Mountain will grow on you.
