Reviews
Ma Polaine's Great Decline Album: Monster Swan
Label: Self Released
Tracks: 11
Website: https://mapolaine.com/
A new release from Ma Polaine's Great Decline is always something to be celebrated, and it's always a privilege to get to listen to a new album several weeks before it's release date. That privilege does come with slight sting in the tail however, how to write a review that does it justice. A lot of the reviewers' usual repertoire is snatched away, because this is a duo that doesn't really sound like anyone else. Their music also doesn't fit neatly into any single genre box.
So how do you describe the indescribable? Well, new album Monster Swan reminds me a little of one of those high-end Cookbooks written by a chef with more Michelin stars than self-awareness. All the recipes have an enormous list of ingredients, many of which you've only vaguely heard of, and probably aren't going to be available in your local supermarket. Not that the point of these things is to recreate the dishes. Some things are better left to the masters.
And Ma Polaine's Great Decline are masterful. The genre elements they combine is dizzying. There's folk in the mix, blues of course, a touch of Americana, a dollop of jazz, and a dash of soul. The final dish is warm, nourishing, but never predictable.
The two singles released so far are a great way into the album. Gasoline Can kicks off the album, with a murder ballad that is anything but traditional, inspired by a friend's heartbreak. It wears its bluesy heart on its sleeve, alongside an almost gothic poetic soul. Told You Lately is another one that leans into its blues influences, albeit in a very different sounding way, given it's more a love song than a revengeful murder tale.
Elsewhere we have Japanese Knotweed, which has been slightly reimagined since it last appeared on the Small Town Talk EP, and sounds amazing. Numb likewise has previously seen the light of day on their debut but again sounds incredible on the new album. Given 10 of the 11 songs on the album were recorded over just two days, that's an impressive feat. That raw feel of a live performance infuses the whole record, making it sound more immediate and intimate.
In truth though, mere words are not going to be able to do justice to Monster Swan. This is a delicious treat that you are just going to have to try for yourself. One taste and you'll coming back for more again and again.
Adam Jenkins
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