MOLLY / PICTURESQUE

MOLLY / Picturesque

I admit it, I approach vetting new music at an almost fanatic pace. I look forward to ‘New Music Fridays’ (when labels usually release new albums) and quickly earmark (in dedicated playlists) any tracks from collections that catch my attention - usually a fairly equal combo of artists I know and those brand new to me. I also try to keep an eye on a range of genres - though I am certainly guilty of paying greater attention to those artists that fit into those categories I most appreciate.

With that, as is this case with this sophomore release by the Austrian duo MOLLY, I sometimes stumble across a band that - while not necessarily putting out strikingly original or groundbreaking music - manages to use familiar sound approaches and styling to create a wholly satisfying end-product.

I had not heard of MOLLY prior to Picturesque being released a month ago. Before I was finished with the first complete listen of the album, I knew that they fit into a textural style that I am extremely open to - a sort of hazy and minimal musical landscape that is punctuated by epic-reaching bursts and atmospheric rock leanings.

“Ballerina” starts things off with a simple and well-pronounced statement of the duo’s intentions. Think Sigur Ros melded with the whir of classic shoegaze bands like My Bloody Valentine and early The Jesus and Mary Chain - touched with definite art-rock leanings of Pink Floyd and you’re on the right track.

The album’s undeniable high-point is the gorgeous “The Golden Age” - all swelling waves over an alluring, hypnotic drum rhythm. Layered echo and tons of natural reverb keep things just cloudy enough to be mysteriously interesting.

The rest of the album contains enough variety and experimentation - including two tracks that crest eleven minutes - to allow for just enough wandering to keep the listener engagedly curious. 

CONCLUSION: MOLLY do a fine job of using the sonics and inspirations they employ throughout Picturesque. If you like these particular sounds, I would imagine this collection will hit the same positive place it did with me. This isn’t reinventing the wheel music, but I found it completely attractive and felt return listens definitely delivered deeper appreciation. I give it an impressed Thumbs Up and an inspired Grade of B-.