Portraits

Artist: Maribou State

Released: June 2015

Length: 40m 56s

My review:

Maribou State's first venture into a full-length LP does not disappoint, paving the way somewhere between Downtempo, Funk/Soul and Electronic music. They create a rich and warm sound that is firmly established in, and conducted by, musical instruments, before undergoing some post production and effects to produce their distinct flow and groove.

I have chosen this week to pick Portraits as it falls nicely after their latest release, Hallucinating Love that came out on 31st January, that marks their third studio album, over 6 years after Kingdoms in Colour, a long awaited return, which I am fully here for.

Echo and reverb have been used to great effect throughout the album, creating the illusion of a greater sonic space that reminds me of being in a large church or cathedral. The low hums of bass fill this space in a similar way to a church organ with long drawn out, low sounding notes, this along with the higher-pitched tranquil melodies produce an ethereal almost spiritual sound that is only enriched by the additional vocals. For me this is best achieved on Wallflower where the soft mystifying lyrics join the subtle strings to suggest a choir and orchestra working together in harmony, all this leads to a big crescendo for the last 40 seconds of the song, definitely a highlight on the album for me.

There is a perfect balance of instrumental to vocal music throughout this album, often some of the vocals are warped beyond comprehension but follow a melody, utilised instead as another instrument. The best example of this is on Raincoats where I think even the recording of exhaling has been used in a percussive manner, repeating throughout the track. After the high of Midas the album is finished off with two more tracks, Natural Fools that softens the mood before Varkala, which brings the tempo right back down. It is a slow, rather melancholy end to the album before the final voice singing provides a hint of promise and encouragement to leave on a somewhat optimistic note. All round it is a wonderful record with a quintessentially British sound that will forever be in rotation on my turntable.

Stand out song: Midas

Holly Walker has been a staple featuring artist with Maribou State, from all the way back in 2013 with their joint Tongue EP and of course she features on the new album too, they are a classic combination that blend and harmonise with each other beautifully. I must have listened to this song thousands of times now but it is still one I can never get enough of and the one I most anticipate when listening to the album, not that I in any way begrudge waiting for it! With Midas I think part of its attraction is the simplistic yet entrancing piano chord progression, the fact that it plays at a different rhythm to the drums that accent on the backbeat, holds your interest and attention throughout. This coupled with the whimsical lyrics and Holly's meandering voice create a marvellous tune that I don't think I will ever get tired of hearing.

When to listen: 

This album can be played on any occasion, and for me at least, probably has been played at every single stage of the day, but I feel it is best enjoyed either at the very end or at the beginning of your time awake. With its calming and alleviating properties I find it the perfect companion for coming round to while I wait for my morning tea to brew and gradually try to ease myself into reality (I am not a morning person if you couldn't already tell!) Alternatively I also appreciate having this album help me gently drift off to sleep, you could do both or neither, just make sure you give this album a listen and I am sure it will quickly become a go-to in your collection, as it has been for me over the years.

Spotify: Listen here

Vinyl:

I absolutely adore the cover for this record, its muted palette feels very organic, especially the way it bleeds through the manufactured inner square that attempts to constrain it. Printed on matt, dark grey card, it is as satisfying to the touch as it is to the eye, the inner sleeve artwork is very similar in style and side A of the record uses an enlarged section from the front cover. The words, including the artist's name and album title, are modest and minimal, only the track names, special thanks and some copyright information is listed. The whole design is sublime, there is an understated elegance to it all, and it feels so well suited to the music, hats off to Jack Hardwicke. Link to the pressing I own here - Discogs link

Other useful links:

You can visit their website to order their records directly along with merch and see upcoming tour dates for 2025 - https://mariboustate.com/

If you like this try these:

Khruangbin - The Universe Smiles Upon You

Tom Misch & Yuseef Dayes - What Kinda Music

Bonobo - The North Borders