Stevie Scullion and Jonathan Toman have been working together musically for ten years and as Cat Malojian they present their first full length album, following on the heels of two e.p. releases. Their laid back mix of folk, country and Americana sends you off to somewhere perhaps in the mid west in the USA, but it all actually comes together in Lurgan, County Armagh in Northern Ireland. There is also a traditional Irish element in amongst these songs here and there and that is a distinguishing mark, their signature, if you will.
'Life Rolls On' is a feast of breathy vocals, with gentle harmonies and fine acoustic guitar, pedal steel and banjo interplay. The gentle lilting 'Pettigoe' is very summery sounding with some very nice fiddle embellishments . 'Have Mercy On Me' is possibly the song that most points towards the band's nationality and it's the distinctive fiddle playing that is the biggest giveaway, it's Irish fiddle playing, so very distinctive and always a joy to hear.
There is very tasteful pedal or lap steel guitar playing throughout, along with very subtle banjo playing too. In fact a lot of the arrangements revolve around picking rather than just strumming and it is all this manual dexterity that creates a delicate tapestry or backdrop for the superbly executed and tight harmony vocals. There is a lot going on behind the singing and it is always very mobile and holds your attention throughout.
The playing on the whole of the album is exquisite and superbly executed and the whole experience is very gentle, laid back and relaxed. If you put this album on and listen, then all will seem to be well with the world by the time it finishes!
Reviewed by Kevin Wallbank
08/23/09
