As we pass the half-way mark in 2013, the same feeling occurs as it does
every year - where did the last six months go? After listening to Mikal Cronin's
sophomore album MCII over the summer, I’ve come to the conclusion that I’ll
be having this feeling for the next 60 years - if I make it that far. MCII
connects Cronin to a new audience. It's certainly grown thanks to word of type.
Ty Segall's backing man took what he knew and created an album just as
intimate as last year’s Perfume Genius, but as upfront and textured as Alt-J. So
as the back half of 2013 begins, lets take a look at the anthem-filled album that
takes us over the last six months, and through the next six.
MCII ticks all the boxes initially, but Cronin's second album still
needs the eventual tick-off from the long-haul long-term listen. Now in my
double digit listens, MCII appears just as fresh and juicy as a mid-summer
album should be. It sways from garage rock to a poppy simplicity that Best
Coast failed to master in two efforts. Cronin uses prior knowledge of
contributing to engineer his own album from ground up. Apart from two guitar
solo inclusions from Segall, MCII is all the work of Cronin. Each guitar
riff, distortion stamp and piano jolt is Cronin working efficiently in Tame
Impala-esque fashion. The structures are absolutely fantastic and deserving of
utmost praise from all listeners. Each track represents something deeper and
passionate than the first five seconds suggest. Take "Weight", the
album opener. Starting with Cronin's piano, it easily turns in to a summer hit,
something Juno would be proud to play on her Sony Walkman. The electric takes a
heavy garage rock vibe, whereas Cronin's acoustic riff keeps the track grounded
to its piano roots. He sings: "I've been starting over for a long
time, I’m not ready for another day I fail at feeling new," / "The
time is right, I’m only getting older, I’m not ready for the second wave, the
weight of seeing through." Cronin is hesitant to take the next
step, and "Weight" is all about his anxiety of moving on. His use of
words during the songs bridge shows the listener his quarrels: "I'm
not ready..."
Cronin's layered back nature to life an on-going theme on MCII. He
uses his self, but not self-pity, to wonder what things can be what's expected
of him and pressures they bring. "Shout It Out" is the perfect
example of Cronin's wandering mind. With its Beach Boys-esque standard
structure, Cronin sings: "I learned a little bit a long, long time
ago, just from a friend I used to know, about how love can end so slow." Cronin
asks himself what to do, does he: "Shout it out," does
he: "Let it go," or does he: "Need to know what
I'm (he's) waiting for?" Text or tweet your answer (terms and
conditions apply etc..) Cronin's so caught up in decision making that he's even
questioning the time and worth in making said decision.
It's interesting to note Cronin's advanced skills from his self-titled debut
album from 2011. He has adopted a stricter tone to his music, with structure and
sound. MCII is the 2013 equivalent to Frankie Rose's 2012 debut album Interstellar.
Cronin has the Brooklyn garage rock features of Rose, with her past being
Cronin's present in Brooklyn bands like Beach Fossils and Crystal Stilts - the
latter being affiliated with Rose. There's something about this genre, this
grouping of artists that strike a chord with listeners, coast to coast, country
to country. Cronin strikes his chords gently and eagerly throughout MCII creating
not only the distortion killing solos, but the funky rhythms like on "See It My Way", and the offbeat piano to primetime single material on "Am I Wrong"
MCII isn't just a three-track-thunderstorm; it's a whole hurricane of
distortion blowing wind and chaotic bleak atmosphere. Cronin's sophomore album
meets a remorseful ballad at half-way with "Peace Of Mind". The West
Coaster nails a near-perfect vocal over a sweet acoustic guitar melody that at
first sounds shady, like a Pete Doherty D-side, but becomes a blessing of joy.
That was also my initial feeling with Cronin as a recording artist. At first
there's a thump of sounds that can be shrugged off like Deerhunter, like The
Flaming Lips. Go beyond the basics and a whole new world appears in Cronin's
soundscapes. "Change" is the MCII's focus, right at the heart.
It's also tight at Cronin's heart, being one of his love-infused tracks of
power and heart-wrenching instrumentation. Initially a three-chord punk-esque
single, "Change" steadily develops into an epilogue. Heavily effected
acoustic guitars draw the song to a close with enduring strings that you would
be lucky to find on a Massive Attack album.
MCII isn’t over before the sweet four tracks of back-album rejuvenation.
"I'm Done Running From You" sounds like a garage rock version of the
Friends opening music, whereas "Don't Let Me Go" swoops down on the
audience with a front of stage intimate performance, the kind of show with one
light at the centre. Cronin sings well and shows a tender side on the chorus as
he reaches the high notes, just. "Turn Away" takes the listener away
from the ballad and back to the standard structure garage rock fans of Cronin
and MCII want to hear. Time passes by uncontrollably and it's not long
before MCII's closer "Piano Mantra" becomes the present. Not
many listeners of MCII were expecting that cool finish from the hit
machine. His multi-instrumentalist skills shine through on this track, with the
full blown band coming into play to match his piano riff. "Piano Mantra" still has the gritty distorted electric guitar and follow-up
acoustic guitar, but the piano, strings and Cronin's vocal are eagerly at the
heart of this recording, and with a few seconds of garage rock power comes a
piano fade out, leaving the listeners with one option - repeat.
The repeat is met with "Weight", which has to be one of the best
tracks of 2013 so far. Cronin has crafted a stunning album this time round,
with aspects many of you would pin on a Beck, Sufjan Stevens, or Ty Segall.
MCII is not just different from his work with Segall, it's simply better. Long
live the garage rock revival artists who have a deeper skill in performing in
the studio than just making a racket outside the studio. Cronin has ensured a
prosperous future with MCII, but it needs the recognition it deserves come
December. I'm thoroughly impressed by his sophomore effort and I'm sure Cronin
has led many listeners astray from their doings to focus entirely on the music
at hand. This is one for the car, the shelf, and the records.
~Eddie
9.0
