by Frank Ippolito
Associate Editor
You know, I can count on one hand how many of you have listened to avant-garde, folk, harp music. I for one, have not, until I gave Mariah McCammond’s Vaulted Heart Box a virtual spin.
And, I gotta tell ya, it’s pretty beautiful stuff. Don’t get me wrong, you’re not going to head bang, jive or even bob your head, even a little, but on the whole, the record is delightful.
Lyrically, it’s a tapestry of feelings and emotions. And McCammond’s vocals are haunting. But not in The Shining kind of haunting, but more like looking-up-at-the-moon-from-underwater haunting. As far as the music goes, the harp is the main instrument and she plays it wonderfully. I can’t handle 6 strings on a guitar so I can’t even imagine navigating 47…
Here we go…
Why you should listen: Because when was the last time you heard Avant-garde Folk Harp music? Hmmmm? I thought so.
What you should listen for: The lyrics. Definitely the lyrics. They are sublime. “I can plant these dreams but we both know it don’t mean a damn thing.” Love it.
What she sounds like: One day Björk and Joni Mitchell decided to have a baby and their baby daddy was a harpist.
Favorite song: “Pleione’s Waltz”
Perfect listening for: When the power is out and you’re reading Tarot cards by candlelight. Or having tea on a rainy day would be good, too.
Listen to Mariah McCammond’sVaulted Heart Box below.
