Regular readers will no doubt be familiar with Baldy Crawlers, the sonic project of California-based singer/songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer Martin Maudal. His music has earned plenty of respect and praise around these parts, most notably through the standout singles Bring Me a Flower and Hatred?. So, when Martin and co. returned over the weekend, I was all ears!
Waterfall Laughter (La Tierra Ríe en Cascadas) is the latest offering from Baldy Crawlers, a song Martin describes as "the pivot tune in the story arc of Fais Toi Plaisir." More on that later.
Earthy, forward-thinking, and an absolute sonic rollercoaster from beginning to end, Waterfall Laughter also serves as a showcase of Norrell Thompson's simply mesmerising vocals. With Jonathan Montes on piano and Marc Weller commanding the pedal steel guitar - among others - Martin once again takes listeners somewhere wonderfully unexpected.
A bilingual tune that begins in English before shifting naturally into Spanish, Waterfall Laughter simply follows wherever the song wants to go. A love affair with the earth, nothing is forced; the music is free to wander wherever it wants.
December 4th marks the arrival date of Fais Toi Plaisir, a three-chapter record with a growing set of bonus tracks. It's a collection of tunes I cannot wait to hear, because Baldy Crawlers are unquestionably the real deal!
