Before listening to this record I had never heard of Maika Makovski but by the end of it I was in love with her lush voice and swirling tunes. Prior to entering my life she’s been a very busy girl, this being her 5th studio album and 3rd in 3 years. On top of that she managed to tour hard and star in her first film, Desaparecer, directed by Calixto Bieto. The writing of the album began with Maika, in her own words, “sat at the piano and wanting to just have some fun” in order to get away from the “dense and serious music” of previous efforts. If that was her aim then she should reward herself with a biscuit as her aim’s been achieved.
The album begins with “Language” that builds slowly with instruments being added as the song goes along. Beginning with bass, then drums, then vocals then Maika on piano. It’s 232 seconds of brooding pop loveliness. On “Get Along” Makovski sings “You know you’re stuck with me, I know I’m stuck with you” much to my liking. I’d happily listen to these songs all day. It’s a thundering foot-stomper built that, along with “Your Reflection”, show her penchant for big fun choruses with a punch. It sounds a bit like a radio-friendly version of Cat Power.
“When the Dust Clears” is where she falls over on her attempt to keep things “fun” as she dips into the past but it’s lovely so we’ll forgive her (yes, i forgave her on your behalf). With “No News” and “Cool Cat” she’s back to form. It’s got a swinging country feel. You could imagine her singing these on stage stomping around in some musical. I mean that in a good way. I’d go and watch it even though I hate musical theatre.
“Vulnerable” and “A Dream” end the record by slipping back into the old dark ways and it’s beautiful. If it’s reminiscent of the sound of her older records then I, for one, am looking forward to them reaching my eardrums. It pleases them.
In short, this is a great record; it’s clever, it’s exciting, it’s fun. You want her to win (at what I don’t know!). It’s a different and interesting sound and that’s reason enough to like it but listen to it a dozen times and that novelty doesn’t wear off. If this was a gamble for her then it certainly paid off.
“Thank You for the Boots” is out now on Outstanding Records/Warner Music
Maika Makovski plays Breakout @ Proud Camden on May 9th