From the first reverberating guitar chords, one anticipates something very stirring to follow, and this album delivers with panache. Herein haunting guitars abound, married to delicate vocals with the occasional harmonies and echoes, and the kind of emotions that are absolutely impossible to fake. It becomes clear that MadelynIris, a husband and wife duo, create their music from the heart. Mark Munsell, himself, called it a "Sarah McLachlan fronting U2" sound, and it is very well done. The guitars and percussion sections are what draw our attention to the influences - which are quite reminiscent of U2's War and Joshua Tree albums. Their cover of "Drowning Man" has a new flavor (and apparently a new name, "Adam Clayton") with an introduction by U2's Bono, reading William Yeat's poem "Mother of God," followed by Carrie's strong and exquisite vocals leading into that famous line, "Take my hand, don't you know I'll be there if I can, I'll cross the sky for your love."
But to simply say that MadelynIris had merely borrowed from Bono and Company, would be almost an insulting thing. While there are connections with a lot of "Irish rock" sounds, there is no reason to simply compare them to someone, when much credit is due the Munsells. Their musicianship is flat out terrific. On a few tracks, vocals are abandoned for a stirring instrumental modern rock feel, complete with jangly, trance-like guitars, keyboards, and eerie, distant drums. Perhaps one of the strongest tracks is "Recover"- a very personal song about a daughter's illness, with nearly whispered harmonies, and a driving rhythmic guitar, pleading "Father, will you restore?" Christian themes are touched on throughout the album, particularly on "IBleav," "Scarlet," and "Shadow of Your Love."
This is the kind of album that is perfect to play late at night, or on a rainy day, or in general, any time that lends itself to studied, thoughtful, and mellow modern music.
Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 2000Reviewed by Jerry RayMadelynIris, formed in 1999 by husband and wife duo Mark and Carrie Munsell, may well represent the future of independent music. The band has taken the notion of "independence" to a level that has only become possible in the last couple of years, completely eschewing record labels large and small in favor of the burgeoning MP3 format. The band has been remarkably successful, registering well over…
