Mazarin - We're Already There

Mazarin’s We’re Already Here could be highly recommended on the strength of its opening track, “The New American Apathy,” alone. “Who wants to be oblivious?” Quentin Stoltzfus inquires: “The news,” it seems, “so safely keeps you occupied with lies some political way.” This searing indictment of the current political climate is couched in a musical framework that perfectly captures the soma-induced coma that the majority of Americans have been slumbering in ever since (and no doubt before) 9/11, complete with sleigh bells. What a rare treat that the rest of the album that follows is just as solid. Nearly two and a half years in the making, Mazarin’s third outing features Stoltzfus’ languid and frequently gorgeous pop as well as guest appearances by Lily’s Kurt Heasley, the Icarus Line’s Don DeVore, and Walt Martin of the Walkman. Heavy on the Kinks vocally and occasionally falling on the XTC, Squeeze, and solo careers of both Paul McCartney and John Lennon side of Beatle-esque, Mazarin is far from derivative (save for the near Strokes rip- off “For Energy Infinite”) but simply appreciates what is beautiful about pop music. The drone of a drum machine may add some technological edge but really only serves as a spring board for which Stoltzfus to launch—or possibly ground—one of his near perfect, delirious melodies (“See You in the Evening”). If this is the future of modern pop, will we have to wait another two years for another installment? [www.mazarinband.com]