London-based experimental pop ensemble Morgan Noise expresses the flexibility of their jazz chops and the vastness of youth with independently released 11-track album Something built, Something remembered, out now.
This project has moments of cinematic grandeur that could convince you the band is a pit orchestra. Other moments are cozy, like the corner of a dimly lit lounge that was tucked into the middle of a city block many chapters before this one.
Something built, Something remembered is an album of songs written from changing perspectives across my, and all of our, early twenties. Some things get burnt down, some things grow from that, sometimes unexpected things.
MORGAN WALLACE OF MORGAN NOISE
Frontwoman of Morgan Noise, and Fat Dog saxophonist, Morgan Wallace delivers a vocal on on opening track ‘No One Known’ that reminds me of hearing Regina Spektor for the first time. Hard to not be immediately captivated by Sam Hollis on the double bass too. Fantastic first impression.
‘Geneva’ was named LOUD WOMEN “Track of the day” when it was released earlier this year as single. It has a smooth, coffeehouse feel that makes me feel like I’m taking the train (or tube, or L, or subway) into the city and the glass is half full, as they say.
The vocals on ‘Silly Me’ remind me of early Kate Nash. Wallace has such a smooth voice and tender soprano; it’s controlled, but never shy or hindered. Her performance on this track is both complemented and elevated by Georgia Morgan Turner’s additional vocals and guitar.
Layered beneath both of them is Kavi Maraj’s absolutely essential bass. Their tone adds the perfect warmth to the mixture.
‘Silly Me’ started with an overlapping scale going up and up. I remember trying to sing it in the shower and not being able to pitch it quite right and having to run to the piano. I wanted it to have an almost nursery rhyme feel, especially with the doo doos in the chorus. A nursery rhyme turned heavy.
MORGAN WALLACE ON ‘SILLY ME’ VIA STEREOGUM
‘Hold It This Long’ is indie rock hit material. This song finds so much of its power in the drum and guitar. So when these expansive bass and synth elements come in, they push the track right up to its wonderful edge.
Drummer Dillion Harrison puts in great work throughout the entire album, but they are most stunning and casually unrelenting here. Crazy cymbal work and sick fils.
Morgan Noise is a sleek avant-pop machine powered by a jazz engine. There’s zero surprise that this group is made up of young, well versed jazz musicians. If this is album number one, I can’t imagine what will be next, and that’s pretty exciting.
Listen to Something built, Something remembered here.
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