Mikaela Davis – Delivery (2018) [Official Digital Download 24bit/48kHz]

Mikaela Davis – Delivery (2018)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/48 kHz | Time – 36:22 minutes | 438 MB | Genre: Indie Pop, Indie Folk, Singer-Songwriter
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Front Cover | © New Rounder

A joyride that pulls from folk rock, 70s and 80s pop experimentation, and muscly funk, Delivery manages to be both daring and comfortable, full of not just risks, but hooks. This debut album from indie rock harpist, Mikaela Davis delivers messages of resilience and the idea of embracing what makes you unique. Produced by Grammy winner John Congleton (St. Vincent, Angel Olsen, David Byrne, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah) and with guest appearances by The Staves, Delivery features 10 original songs, that pulse, swell, dance, and bewitch.

Delivery is the Rounder Records debut of eclectic songwriter, singer, and harp specialist Mikaela Davis. Far from a “harp record,” though, Delivery features alternately bluesy and poppy arrangements that present the harp as part of a broader, textured front. The opener, “Delivery,” for instance, begins with voice and piano before eventually adding bass and drums, which are played on the album by her touring bandmembers Shane McCarthy and Alex Coté. Harp and fuzzed-out guitar then round out the track’s palette. It’s a varied album, though, and the contrasting “Do You Wanna Be Mine?” is defined by ’80s pop-styled synths, while “Get Gone” drifts into funk. It’s the spare acoustic ballad “Emily,” however, that proves to be an album highlight, with its rhythmic arpeggiated harp and tight three-part backing harmonies by the Staves. The Staves return for the trippy closer, “Pure Divine Love,” a swirly, pitch-bending affair that blends electric and acoustic instruments and their melodic trajectories. The album was produced, recorded, and mixed by none other than John Congleton, who produced for the Decemberists and Kimbra, just to name a couple of projects from the same release year. Spanning, as it does, psychedelia, rootsy pop, synth-centric adult pop, and chamber balladry, what stands out more than the production or even performances on the album are memorable, almost anthemic melodies. For those who stick through the stylistic explorations, the songs underneath not only invite repeat listens but even provide a few earworms. – Marcy Donelson

Tracklist:
1. Mikaela Davis – Delivery (04:10)
2. Mikaela Davis – Get Gone (03:25)
3. Mikaela Davis – A Letter That I’ll Never Send (03:13)
4. Mikaela Davis – In My Groove (03:43)
5. Mikaela Davis – Emily (feat The Staves) (03:42)
6. Mikaela Davis – Do You Wanna Be Mine (03:34)
7. Mikaela Davis – Little Bird (03:19)
8. Mikaela Davis – Other Lover (03:40)
9. Mikaela Davis – All I Do Is Disappear (04:04)
10. Mikaela Davis – Pure Divine Love (feat The Staves) (03:28)

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