Mary In The Junkyard: A Band to Watch
The story of Mary In The Junkyard begins with a spell, a mystical origin story that sets the tone for their unique and captivating music. The trio, consisting of Clari Freeman-Taylor, Saya Barbaglia, and David Addison, came together through a chance encounter at a squat following a protest. Their musical journey is a blend of classical training, personal passions, and a collective creative process that defies conventional boundaries.
Freeman-Taylor and Barbaglia's classical music background, honed through playing string instruments together, provides a foundation for their sound. However, their approach to music is far from traditional. They embrace the beginner's process, constantly exploring new instruments and styles, always seeking to expand their musical horizons. This mindset extends beyond the band, as they each pursue their individual passions, be it training in MMA, acrobatics, or writing.
The band's music is a reflection of their collective intuition and creativity. They write songs that are a mix of subjective storytelling and literal expressions of feeling, drawing inspiration from ancient fables and personal experiences. Freeman-Taylor's imagination, fueled by her fascination with past lives and the idea of reincarnation, gives birth to songs like 'Mouse', a poignant tale of two old souls reuniting in a new life, while also recalling a devastating past.
The album 'Role Model Hermit' is a testament to their unique approach. It is a paper-mâché ship, a symbol of their handmade and slightly precarious creative process. The songs, produced with a dub-style reverby approach, create a sense of space and distance, as if they take place in big, ethereal environments. The album's artwork, featuring Freeman-Taylor dressed as an old fisherman with a mouse on her shoulder, further emphasizes the band's ability to weave fantastical elements into their music.
Mary In The Junkyard's live performances are a reflection of their artistic philosophy. They measure success not by precision but by connection, with Freeman-Taylor's humor and stage presence becoming a defining feature. Their shows are a blend of dark bluntness and unexpected silliness, creating an engaging and memorable experience for their audience.
In conclusion, Mary In The Junkyard is a band that defies easy categorization. Their music is a blend of the fantastical and the everyday, the mystical and the human. With their unique approach to songwriting, creative process, and live performances, they are a band to watch, offering a fresh and captivating perspective in the music world.
