Mandolin Orange: Such Jubilee

Mandolin Orange
Such Jubilee
(Yep Roc)
3 out of 5 stars

The acoustic North Carolina duo of Andrew Marlin and Emily Frantz don’t do themselves– or their pensive, often melancholy music– any favors by hiding behind a pun of a name you’d expect from Weird Al Yankovic. To add to the misrepresentation, there isn’t all that much mandolin on the twosome’s third release and even though the word “jubilee” is featured in its title, these 10 wistful, contemplative tracks aren’t exactly something you’d throw on for your next Saturday night hootenanny.

That said, the album continues to weave the musical threads from 2013’s well received Yep Roc debut This Side of Jordan. The multi-instrumentalists played the basic tracks facing each other in the studio, later adding subtle overdubs to keep the percussion free arrangements full yet sparse enough to let the lyrics carry the spotlight.

Strummed acoustic guitars lead most of the folksy fare, enhanced by Frantz’s mournful fiddle and guest John Oliver’s electric guitar and Wurlitzer. Like the songs, the concepts are ruminative, touching, thoughtful and provocative. They encompass the joys of home, the rigors of the road and the intensity of true love. Marlin’s laid back, everyman voice carries the bulk of the load, leaving Frantz to add lilting harmonies and the occasional lead vocal. Elements of bluegrass appear occasionally, infusing themselves into the reflective music and adding to the overall rootsy, stripped down approach.

Perhaps a few up-tempo selections would have raised the energy level that tends to drag some, even on the short 37 minute program. But these songs aren’t made for parties and, regardless of the band’s moniker, are far from giddy. Rather, Mandolin Orange’s refined, rustic reflections are as thoughtful and sympathetic as their dusky, rural approach.