Slow Century

This band has a cool dynamic between siblings Matt and Marya McLaughlin on bass and keys, respectively. They also both sing and have a free, alternative vibe going on in the music. Makes me feel like wanting to be a carefree collegiate again, with nothing better to do than drop acid and watch the sunrise from a Breakheart hilltop (ah, memories). Guitarist Matt Murray and drummer Greg Salvucci round out the ensemble effectively and add their tasteful chops to the musical stew. The overall concept of the disc is the McLaughlin duo’s thoughts and ideas on what it was like growing up. With material like this, one wonders what their next effort will sound like. (Mike Loce)
- The Noise: Rock Around Boston

McLaughlin. McLaughlin. Murray. McGann. Salvucci? You might be tempted to think that one of these things doesn't belong here. But you're wrong, because McLaughlin², Murray and Salvucci will be showing up at McGann's Pub (of course it's a "pub") tonight with Genevieve and Steppers Heaven. After hearing this track, we're guessing you'll probably want to see this.

Slow Century - "The Lover That Waits At The End Of The World"

[download it!]

Mixed male-female vocals are kind of a bugaboo in that there's usually some weird power dynamic where either the female singer's presence is relegated to movie extra status or the male singer sounds like a simpering sycophant (i.e. what we'd sound like if singing with Zooey Deschanel).

There might be a power dynamic between brother/sister duo Matthew and Marya McLaughlin. Matthew's taller, but there it ends, as the Singin' McLaughlins (not their actual band name) show what nearly identical genes and a lifetime of knowing another person can do to your harmonization skills with said person. The McLaughlins vocals have equal footing in "The Lover..." after a brief vocal introduction by Matthew.

After that it's straight up McLaughlin and the vocals are perfect. Their words are perfectly synchronized and their phrases are identical. Their notes are on right on target, with each little fluctuation in one's voice reflected by the other. Guitarist Matthew Murray and drummer Greg Salvucci (AKA the token Italian guy) seem to realize that the vocals are the forefront and create a perfect miasma of sound for the McLaughlins over which to conduct their "How to Sing With Each Other" clinic.

This song is somewhat dizzying in pace and arrangement, you feel as if you are getting slapped down by a tornado, but after it's over, you just want to run back into the center to get buffeted around again. You still might not know what's going on, but you probably won't mind.

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LABELS: CD ON SONGS, CDDIG, FREE DOWNLOAD, MCGANNS PUB, SLOW CENTURY, ZOOEY DESCHANEL

POSTED BY CD DI GUARDIA AT 12:07 PM

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