Album Notes

Sidewalks and Skies

From the pavement to the firmament, Mark Brown's
Main Street Records release In Vacuo confidently
addresses ruminations pertinent to both, and in a
manner that balances sober contemplation and hope.
This he does by employing the solid guitar work
and delicate melodies deftly employed by other
notable indie/alt-folkies like Elliot Smith.

From the upbeat entreaty of "Call You Home" whose
conceit revolves around annoying telemarketers, to
the gently plaintive "Geena", Brown's work leaves
the impression that he did his homework. "Who's
Your Baby" competes on par with the most
melancholic Archer Prewitt, while the vocal
construct of "Green Locust Leaves" will ease the
pain of knowing that Simon and Garfunkel will
never release another "Bookends." Some of the
quirky twists and turns in Brown's fretwork and
songwriting can be attributed to the ubiquitous
specters of Nick Drake and Bob Dylan, but this is
hardly to In Vacuo's detriment (the "tribute" part
of attribute seems more fitting in this case). If
this album can evoke the work of these luminaries,
then Brown is in fine company indeed.

Whether it is an emotional emptiness that informs
or compels Brown, or self-awareness cultivated
through intentional isolation and reflection, In
Vacuo certainly arrives as an album of substance.
And, to quote "Torch", "he makes it look easy" -
if he sounds this good now, his future output will
be met with much enthusiasm.

--John Storts
the lexington project 040202