Aaron Dessner can’t really do much wrong. Chief music writer for The National (yes, that means THOSE HORN SECTIONS), he’s taken on a second life as a producer, working on records like Mumford and Sons’ Wilder Mind and Local Natives’ Hummingbird. His knack for making records sound full and unleashing their full potential is second to none – and he is the perfect fit for Sydney band Little May.
Their first full-length effort For The Company is equal parts dreamy and fierce; ‘indie-folk’ not quite doing the trio justice anymore. It’s a diverse record that shows off the girls’ abilities beautifully, and Dessner has taken the raw lyrics and intricate melodies to a whole new place with his beautiful production.
Recorded in New York between a converted 19th century church and Dessner’s garage studio, the record has a beautiful mix of Australian indie sensibilities as well as the American polish that steps it up from their previous release, a five-track self-titled EP.
An immediate comparison to make is to Irish newcomer SOAK: the vocals are incredibly reminiscent of the echoed, raspy sweetness of her voice – which is certainly not a bad thing.
For The Company takes that sound and makes it swell, going from a delicate folk ditty to rousing indie-rock anthem in the space of a verse. You hear a hint of Stonefield in the record, too – Remind Me has that grit, attitude and 70s rock guitar paired with dreamy melodic harmonies.
Despite this being their first album, For The Company makes it clear why Little May have been labelled ones to watch the world over. A Guardian ‘band to watch’, a slot on Mumford and Sons’ Gentlemen Of The Road touring showcase and spots at Reading, Leeds and CMJ festivals after just one EP, the hype certainly isn’t unfounded – they look set to not be so ‘little’ anymore.
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‘For The Company’ is out October 9, grab a pre-order here.
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