Marco Mahler's sophomore release, Laptop Campfire Speed, has created a genuine buzz in the music blogosphere of late. His music has been described as "a collaboration of Nick Drake, Fugazi and Kraftwerk on Unplugged" and as "often drop-dead gorgeous without the slightest bit of adornment". He was born in Chicago, grew up in Switzerland, and is now based in Brooklyn, New York.
There is true beauty to be found on this album – Bert Jansch is a definite influence, and perhaps also Jose Gonzales, and even the Velvet Underground, but there is a modern edge and freshness with a positive and at times upbeat feel to the album . This is very hip “electro-pop-folk” dare we say, with the light touch on production resulting in a sound both decidedly post-millennial and oddly delicate. The songs are intense and literate without being self conscious or morbid. The real charm is its acoustic intimacy and the private intimate songs that feature calming and looping melodies. Its stark, but highly refreshing and dreamy. This is a marvelous album and one of those subtle records that gets under your skin in the best possible sense.
[ CD includes all lyrics ]
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