The Magic of Mary in the Junkyard: A Band's Mystical Journey
In a quaint Deptford café, over a sweet slice of tiramisu, I found myself captivated by the story of Mary in the Junkyard, a London-based trio with an enchanting origin story. Their journey began with a spell, a jar of hair, and a protest against a Tory police bill. Lead vocalist Clari Freeman-Taylor, viola-bass player Saya Barbaglia, and drummer David Addison share a unique bond, one that transcends the ordinary.
A Spellbinding Start
The idea of casting a spell to form a band might seem whimsical, but for Mary in the Junkyard, it's a fitting beginning. Their music, a blend of eerie folk-rock, explores the fantastical and the everyday, creating a world where past lives and ancient tales intertwine. It's a concept album, if you will, where each song tells a story, and the stories are connected by a thread of mystical energy.
Role Model Hermit: An Album of Anomalies
Their debut album, "Role Model Hermit," is a masterpiece of this genre-bending approach. Tracks like "New Muscles" showcase Freeman-Taylor's powerful vocals, with lyrics that straddle the line between primal instincts and Poseidon-like decrees. The album is a journey through the uncertainties of youth, love, and self-discovery, all while maintaining a sense of otherworldliness.
The Creative Collective
What's fascinating about Mary in the Junkyard is their approach to creativity. They describe themselves as a performing group and an arts collective, inspired by bands like Sonic Youth and Fugazi, who create networks and support other artists. Their studio is just down the road from where they live, and their creative process is a constant, organic flow of ideas. They've even coined the term "24/7 band" to describe their immersive creative lifestyle.
Beyond the Music
Each member of the band has their own unique passions and pursuits outside of music. Barbaglia trains in MMA daily, Freeman-Taylor does acrobatics, and Addison writes a blog and maps out the city through music discovery. These activities are not distractions but extensions of their creative impulses, a way to stay grounded and present, especially while touring.
The Power of Connection
For Freeman-Taylor, a good show is measured by the connection she makes with the audience. Her humor, a blend of dark wit and unexpected silliness, is a powerful tool to engage and entertain. She recalls stage dives and jokes about Alcatraz, creating memorable moments that bring the audience into her world.
The Impact of Classical Training
Barbaglia and Freeman-Taylor's classical music background has shaped their approach to performance and collaboration. Barbaglia describes the sensitivity developed from playing string instruments together, a skill that translates into their intuitive musical connection. Freeman-Taylor, on the other hand, found classical training restrictive and tension-filled, and leaving that world felt like a quiet rebellion, an opportunity to explore her own artistic voice.
Intuition and Instinct
The band's writing process is a testament to their intuitive approach. They don't know what they're creating until it comes out, a raw and organic process that Freeman-Taylor compares to a "poo" or a "sneeze." It's a reaction, a natural expression of their collective creativity. This intuition extends beyond music, influencing their entire artistic vision, from the album artwork to the concept of a paper-mâché ship as a symbol of their musical journey.
A Bright Future
"Role Model Hermit" is a brilliant debut, and Mary in the Junkyard is a band to watch. Their unique blend of mystical storytelling, intuitive musicality, and a deep connection to their art sets them apart. As they continue to explore their creative paths, I can't wait to see what new adventures and musical tales they'll bring to life.
