Opening with the raucous “Nothing Is The News†(featuring an excellent rambling lead guitar) I immediate thought that Jurardo had taken a cue from Neil Young’s Crazy Horse adventures, or his own I Break Chairs days, but, as I soon found out, that only lasts for one track. “Life Away from the Garden,†the second track, picks up with Jurardo’s haunting vocals along with a repeating children’s choir that sets the tone for the remainder of the album. And that “tone†I speak of is a dynamically sparse array of textures and sounds all built around said Jurardo vocals.
Early favorites include “Working Titles†which contains trademark Jurado dark lines reading:
You could use to be more like your heroes.
A darker shade of damaged distortion.
Wearing death like a cape or a costume.
Cut your ties and leave town when you want to.
“Museum of Flight†is another standout with a simple effective chorus that repeats thrice and hooks you with one listen. Consisting of only ten tracks, Maraquopa is a mellow enchanting album that is great for late night repeat and a worthy addition to Damien’s stellar catalogue.
RIYL:Â warm candle wax, hard rain, sad poems
About the author: Producer, Engineer, Musician and all around music enthusiast.