Mapache has been productive over the past few years. Since their 2017 debut placed them on every Americana fan’s radar, the band has been feeding their ravenous fanbase a plethora of low-pressure folk-rock that is soothing and sentimental. It was only last year when Mapache released Roscoe’s Dream, a moving set of songs dedicated to guitarist/vocalist Sam Blasucci’s dog. The band has wasted no time delivering another honed tracklist filled with moving poetry set to whimsical arrangements.
Their new album Swinging Stars was recorded in the scenic and legendary Panoramic House and the influence of that environment shows on this cohesive 14-track outing. While every note was recorded with Blasucci and his bandmate Clay Finch in the same room, almost all of it was written separately with the duo working out ideas on their own before coming together. This new sense of individualism echoes throughout the LP, allowing the unique creativity of each member to shine and come together for their most cohesive album to date.
The freeing sense of working on your ideas alone is the centerpiece of Swinging Stars. Ironically, the duo has never sounded more in sync, their one-of-a-kind approach to cosmic-folk music feels elevated on the band’s latest. There is no sense of urgency on this record, the band is able to capture their emotions and stretch them out over beautifully crafted guitar rhythms that peer through their words just enough to add layers of sentimental textures.
Their airy approach to making music shines on these songs, for just over 50 minutes the duo sends you on a roller coaster of dusty melodies tinged with the perfect amount of twang without taking away from their rootsy folk. 50 minutes doesn’t feel long enough as the band has entered the next phase of their artistry and it is lined with poetic lyrics so refreshing there is no noticeable influence to trace their sound back to. Rather than worrying about where their ideas come from, Mapache allows the listener to sit in on their deepest thoughts and provide a stunning soundtrack filled with deep contemplation.
The album kicks off with the Spanish-speaking track “Sentir”, a true mood setter for the preceding songs. A weeping electric guitar cuts through the heaven-sent melody, emphasizing the backing harmonies just enough before the vocals disappear for a crisp guitar solo. The intimacy of this track rings throughout even the more up-tempo moments of Swinging Stars, their thoughtful approach to these songs can be felt in every note played. The juxtaposition of the album becomes clear on track two, “French Kiss”. A rolling piano carries the weight of the arrangement while the vocals evoke the feeling of floating through life on a cloud of appreciation for the small things. The album weaves in and out of tempos like this with ease, creating a tracklist filled with varying arrangements that find consistency in their tenderhearted nature rather than surface-level sonics. The way an old country-influenced tune like “Encinal Cannon” can feel so right sitting next to “Ghosts”, one of the more passionately delivered songs on the LP with an arrangement that leans towards grandiose speaks volumes to the band’s headspace.
Swinging Stars is not only Mapache’s best album to date, it is a pillar of the band’s restless creativity. For 14 tracks, the duo dips their toes in every corner of folk and emerges with something so unique and personal it’s undeniable. Swinging Stars welcomes a new era for Mapache, one that allows their individual ideas to morph into flawless folk lined with unpredictable psychedelic tendencies.
