Got the email below (along with the incredible, on so many levels, photograph above) and felt like I should share it as it’s a good example of what kind of communication I wish I got more of from those seeking a review. Mustard Relics is just me, at times embarrassingly exposed for whatever the hell it is I am and whatever the fuck this place is about. There is no we, unless you include whoever I’m talking to when no one is around, and sadly there is no way I can spew my usual bullshit AND do a review of every artist presented to me. With that said, not everyone has the time or gumption to personalize a request, but I sure do like it when they do. Here’s the latest request…
“I’m part of a NYC-based Americana duo called baby chemist. I loved reading and listening through Mustard Relics, finding Jenee Halstead’s pop-country bopping “Solitary People” and Sierra Ferrell’s rustic “Rosemary” from your late night early morning… entry. I laughed quite a bit at your mention of the Indie Bible…as we in fact found Relics through it. Hope we’re not adding too much to your queue!
We’re releasing a new single on 12/28 called “I’ll Still Be Here:” a cosmic country, astral Americana space ballad to close out this chaotic year with some calm vibes. If it were a mood, it’d be that lulling feeling after the holidays but before New Years when you’re in your sweats on your couch half wine-drunk and pondering your existence. We would greatly appreciate your consideration to be reviewed!”
They took the time to check out MR, so figure I can give them a few minutes of my time. I’m a mood listener when it comes to choosing what I want to spin at any particular time and this is good mood stuff. The latest song, which you’ll have to wait until it’s released on the 28th to hear, is their best yet (although you get huge points covering one of my favorite Hank Williams tunes…especially the fact that they made the song theirs and didn’t butcher it by even attempting to yodel). I have never heard an act called Americana, so I’ll have to use this as a reference point…pop-folk or new-old timey you might call them in my book. “I’ll Still Be Here” reminds me a bit of that gal in the Cowboy Junkies…Katie’s voice is very warm and soothing, relaxed, like a light massage. For some reason, it popped into my head that this song would be cool in a soundtrack for a movie with a landscape scene that is lonely but also inviting, not tense at all, if that makes sense. Good start to the day stuff thoughtful (if not painfully ironic in it’s goodness)…a tall glass of water and a wide cup of coffee to your success and happiness Katie (& Travis)!
Music | baby chemist (bandcamp.com)
baby chemist | NY, NY | Americana Retro band & songwriting duo (babychemistband.com)
