Mabel Mabel

• Artist: Mabel Mabel
• Rating:
• Release Date: 2000
• Total Time: 32:42
• Type: Lyrics are included with the album
• Genre: Rock

Review

Mabel Mabel's self-titled debut, a 30-minute independent release recorded in an obscure Chicago suburb, draws the listener in immediately with a slinky bass solo that is shortly joined by a nuanced drum foundation, light acoustic guitar picking, and airy jazz piano meandering. Then comes the wispy melody, sung in rich and powerful vocal tones that dance and spin around an unfaltering harmony before reaching up into an energetic chorus with a beautiful and captivating hook. This first song, "High Days and Holidays," is a polished and refreshing blend of pop, lite jazz, and folk that compares favorably with the best work of the October Project. It leaves the listener wondering why Mabel Mabel hasn't yet been signed to a major label contract. But unfortunately the listener only has to go on to the next track for the answer to that question. The band is an unquestionably gifted collection of performers led by Reyna Larson, a powerhouse Alison Moyet alto who seems just as comfortable with bluesy funk-rock tunes as she is with the mellower opening numbers. Most of the album, in fact, finds her belting at full throttle alongside electric guitar, bass, and moog. But the album's stylistic diversity, while impressive in terms of its musicianship, unwittingly reveals the band's immaturity. Mabel Mabel simply hasn't found its voice yet. The high-octane numbers are often submerged in showoffy bluster, and nothing in the seven tracks that follow "High Days" ever displays the restraint and simple knockout beauty of the first track. Katrina Lenk's harmonies -- so effective in the opener -- are virtually abandoned for the duration of the record. Mabel Mabel's debut would be more satisfying as a regional band's first recording effort if the group hadn't set the bar so high with its first song. ~ Evan Cater, Rovi

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