It certainly is interesting when an act decides to release a more acoustic-dominant version of their usual songs, in a renowned studio. It almost puts me in the mind of the MTV Unplugged series, where artists perform a stripped-down version of their usual tracks. Most electronic and stylistic elements get removed from the song in favour of an ‘organic’ sound, not just in terms of the type of instruments used, but in the acoustics of the room and the mastering of the instruments. It definitely doesn’t need or require the high mastering standards demanded of a recorded song in a studio, but it retains an alternative charm that some can appreciate.
Similarly, today’s act of choice goes down this exact path and we will review and discuss it. The act in question is The Midnight River Crew (MRC). The Midnight River Crew is a songwriter act with a consistent member, Mark Johnson, who collaborates and reaches out to other artists to craft compelling songs. In this release, MRC will feature Isabella Coulstock for its main vocals as well as piano pieces, as well as Phil Johnson, providing his skill in playing the ukelele as well as helping out with pre-production.
About the current line-up
Isabella Coulstock, who provides her skill in vocals as well as piano, is a singer known for her engaging as well as captivating solo live performances. An artist with loads of experience under her belt, she has played for many shows and opened for other acts. Some of the most prolific names she has associations with include ‘Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra’, as well as the renowned band ‘The Who’ whom she has opened for in her first arena show at London’s O2 arena. Currently, besides MRC, she co-writes various songs with Chaz Jankel of Ian Dury and the Blockheads as well as many others, keeping her artistry alive.
Mark Johnson, providing his skill in songwriting as well as guitars, is described as a person who ‘writes serious songs for serious people’. His inspiration for songwriting stems from human stories and current affairs at all scales of magnitude. He is currently writing new material as well, intending for it to be recorded and released. He usually performs his songs acoustically in a similar ‘unplugged’ style at summer music festival stages as well as songwriter showcase events. His songs have also been covered by acts such as Jennifer Crook, My Darling Clementine as well as Bob Andrews, a keys wizard associated with Graham Parker and the Rumour. To add to this, his influences are Ray Davies, Nina Simone, as well as Curtis Mayfield.
Their newest release, titled ‘N8- The MRC At KonK Studios- The Midnight River Crew (feat Isabella Coulstock)‘, was recorded at the historic Konk studios in North London, N8. This studio is truly renowned, having housed artists such as Elvis Costello and the Bee Gees for their recording sessions. The album is also produced and mixed by Al Drake Brockman at Konk and Doz Studios, and assisted by George Chung.
The EP starts off with its first track titled ‘Black Crow White Dove’. It starts with a heartfelt duet between the piano and acoustic guitar, setting the scene with a heartfelt and inviting soundscape. It bears some melodic transposition that reminds me of resolve and determination, before transitioning into Isabella’s vocals. Her vocals coat the song with an extra layer of emotional integrity as well as depth, with a metaphorical halo over her voice. There is a pure, earnest and angelic quality to her voice, reminiscent of the female vocalist from Fleetwood Mac. While the timbre and tone of the pure acoustic guitar tends to usually give off a ‘golden’ tone, the instruments in this particular recording sound more metallic than whole.
I wonder if this was stylistically done. It doesn’t ruin the song at all, but it does give it an interesting quirk compared to other acoustic songs. The other vocalist, Mark Johnson, accompanies Isabella’s voices with the chorus. The tone of his voice is quite different than hers, bearing a more aged and hardened quality. It has a charm to it. I only wish the combination of vocals were EQ’d a little better, as his part seems to dominate her part, even though her melodic control is stronger. Overall, I think this song is quite interesting and would appeal to a lot of people regardless of genre. The authenticity does shine throughout the song, almost making me feel as if this recording was ‘lost in time’ (in a great way.)
The second track, ‘(All you have to do is) Ask Me To dance‘ starts off with the same instrumentation as the previous track, but with a much different compositional and emotional tone. For starters, the composition of this song seems to go through more levels of tones as well as emotional themes, making it more complex to my ears. It is much stronger, and more melancholic in a way. Isabella’s voice once again shines with her delivery. Mark’s distinct vocal tone somehow matches this track a lot more, in a duet style. Another plus point for this song is the way both of their voices overlap each other’s in this song. This time, no one’s vocals get drowned out, making it where both vocal tracks interlay together in a very beautiful way. I recognise the beauty of Isabella’s slight vulnerability in her voice, as well as Mark’s hardened tone in this song. The bridge in this song is also very apt, compositionally, as it gives the song more of an edge amid the regularity of the chorus and pre-chorus in the song.
The third track, No Shame In Love, shines stronger in its instrumentation than the vocals. Not to say that the vocals are bad, the vocals are exemplary. However, there definitely is a slightly higher level of musical variability in this particular track compared to the previous tracks. There are lower lows, as well as higher highs. It makes me feel as though I’m riding through a musical journey that is realistic, rather than packaged. Compositionally, there is something extremely magnetic about this song. It must be with the particular chords used in this track.
In fact, the chord changes in the bridge of the song seem extremely profound, deep, and sad to me. This song will definitely open up a chasm in your brain that you’ve been afraid to touch. That’s how significant this song is to me. Both Isabella and Mark’s slightly lowered tone in this song definitely add on to the atmosphere of the track, without losing significant melody. I think in the background there is also a ukulele used, and the ukulele definitely has a bittersweet ‘happy-sad’ tone to it that helps to elevate the tone of the song. Isabella’s final vocals towards the end of the song give the song a resolution. I’d subjectively say that this is the best song in the EP.
Also, if you do purchase the album, there is a bonus 4th track that you will be treated to. Going by the sound of the three tracks on the EP itself, i’m sure the bonus track will be just as competent.
Overall, I find this EP quite interesting. It brings back the beauty of ‘revivalist’, stripped-down acts without overusing or commercialising its approach so much so that it becomes unbearable. The compositional quality of all the songs on this EP is truly undeniably and pretty universal, it can convey its message to anyone, regardless of genre bias. The instrumentation used throughout this EP is well mastered as well as extremely lush.
My criticism of this EP is the lack of more ‘bold’ themes in songwriting and instrumentation, as well as very minor issues with EQ in one track, but besides that, it is pretty cohesive. It has a ‘lost art’ feel to it, transporting the earnestness of 60s and 70s music to today, without making it seem like it ‘stole’ the concept. As an artist, that is quite hard to do. As a result, this album deserves its flowers.
Score/ Good: ‘N8 – The MRC At KonK Studios – The Midnight River Crew (feat Isabella Coulstock)’ is an interesting, heartfelt and earnest album that makes you feel like you’re time travelling in the world of music without losing today’s quirks. It is well-mastered, and laced with wonderful vocals and songwriting from competent artists.
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