Armand Margjeka

Armand Margjeka is a thought-provoking and introspective folk musician who provides unpredictably delightful elements of extravagant virtuous indie rock. Presenting his expressive articulation with a matured sound since his debut full-length, Margo Margo, Margjeka introduces his latest effort, Hummingbird.

From the moment Hummingbird begins, we are delighted with an onslaught of outstanding stand-alone singles like the opener, “Move Slow.” The introductory lines, “Love moves slow/The hardest part is letting go,” are heavily emphasized right away through a longing desolate and mesmerizing tone that lingers throughout. Transitioning from the droning pitch of “Move Slow” is the title-track “Hummingbird,” which instills a magnificent upbeat tempo that captivates listeners with Margjeka’s atmospheric tendencies.

Lyrically, Margjeka engraves a narrative, which at times reveals his accounts of desired love. While “Move Slow” slightly conveys the anguishes of moving forward rapidly after loss, “Relief” is a blissfully reflective track that pierces through you by looking back at the early memories of past affections. With an imaginative beat to mend the broken heart, “And Love” is a hauntingly tune where Margjeka attempts to test the waters by persuading his former lover to come back into his life.

As the record transpires with experimental queues that complement Margjeka’s uniquely eerie voice, “Baby Put That Dress On (We’re Goin Out Tonite)” and “If” implant electronic notes and light drum patterns into an innovative equation that hones his wondrous songwriting abilities.

With this sophomore release, Margjeka has truly established himself as a creative and intriguing artist. What separates Hummingbird from his first album is personal transition in style, which is reflected through his instrumental delivery in the recording process. Margjeka leaves you with the option to interpret the meaning of his work, as opposed to intentionally forcing his musical influences to overshadow his artistic nature. Hummingbird definitely enlightens you with a soothing approach that truly captures Margjeka’s vibrant orchestral imagery.

In A Word: Wonderful - Aquarian Weekly (Ryan McGrath)

Containing the same breathless desperation and wry understatement as the best songs by the National, the title track to Armand Margjeka’s Hummingbird catalogs heartbreak and romantic longing with the poise and control of a surgeon. “Out in the street with my heart in my hand,” Margjeka sings, “And I don’t know what’s in it.” The rest of Hummingbird matches that song in both content and tone. Margjeka is an expert at crafting dark, slow-building songs that deliver emotional trauma with impressive restraint. “Ain’t Me” shuffles and sways, Margjeka’s baritone bobbing between tiny apostrophes of guitar. Even the optimistically-titled “Baby Put That Dress On (We’re Goin Out Tonite)” stalks like recent-vintage Nick Cave. It’s a formidable effort from a songwriter with a cunning sense of the human condition. - Wondering Sound

With roots in Americana and a desire to explore different rock genres, Armand Margjeka has blended his influences to create lush and memorable songs. It's no different withh his newest single, "Castles," off his upcoming record, Hummingbird, due out June 10th. We've got the premiere of it below!

From the very start, Margjeka's bluesy vocals soar as he picks at his guitar. Instantly memorable and filled with soul and vibrant imagery, "Castles" is definitely a song worth adding to your collection.

- See more at: http://filtermagazine.com/index.php/media/entry/listen_armand_margjeka_releases_castles_off_upcoming_album_filter_premiere#sthash.LLz510RN.dpuf - FILTER

Anticipating the June 10 release of his album Hummingbird, Armand Margjeka has released the title track from the album. - MAGNET

A singer-songwriter who grew up in the isolated town of Tropoja, Albania, the current Birmingham, AL, resident Armand Margjeka‘s debut album, Margo, Margo, is a mellow introduction to a full-bodied musician. After pouring over Elvis and Jerry Lee Lewis cassette tapes as a teenager, Margjeka set out on a determined path to pursue his love of music and moved to the U.S. in his late teens. Having served as a producer for alt-country band Buffalo Black for two years, Margjeka’s shift from behind the mixing board to the microphone produces a pleasing, folky introduction.

Margo, Margo boasts a mixture of simple bedroom and studio recordings, creating an outdoor atmosphere throughout its nine tracks not unlike the worlds built by fellow peers Sea Wolf and Joseph Arthur. Margjeka’s distinct baritone floats through his acoustic finger-picking backed by earthy pedal steels, upright bass, slight country twang, and subtle mandolin. The contents of Margo, Margo’s songs detail the singer’s love and adoration for his one and only, most apparent on “What Feeling”, a steady-paced retelling of falling head over heels with rapid-fire lyrics. Margjeka’s older influences shine through on several tracks, like touches of Serge Gainsbourg and M. Ward styling on opener “Desire” and standout track “Alive”.

Margjeka doesn’t keep his passions a secret, either. Save for “Momma”, all of his songs touch on some much-loved attribute of or experience shared with his lover. “For This” professes the songwriter’s devotion, while “Little Bird” expresses thanks. Yeah, it sounds cheesy, but Margjeka crafts his songs in a manner that balances the sappy stuff with astute musicianship.

Clocking in at 40 minutes, Margo, Margo comes packed with lush sound and just enough Alabama twang and jangly guitars to keep the ear interested. Simple and doting, Armand Margjeka’s shining debut LP shows that this relative newcomer is one to keep an eye on in the singer-songwriter field. - Consequence Of Sound