Mary In The Junkyard: A Band That's Still Learning How to Live Inside Itself
In the heart of London, a trio of musicians has emerged, their music echoing through the city's cafes and squat spaces. Mary In The Junkyard, with their debut album 'Role Model Hermit', is a band that feels less like a project and more like a living, breathing entity. Their sound, a blend of eerie folk-rock and intimate confession, is a testament to the power of collaboration and the magic that happens when three distinct personalities come together.
The band's origin story is as mystical as their music. Over a slice of tiramisu and coffee, lead vocalist and guitarist Clari Freeman-Taylor, viola-bass player Saya Barbaglia, and drummer David Addison recall the first time they all hung out at a squat, following a protest against a Tory police bill. It was there, amidst the chaos and creativity, that they formed a bond, almost like a spell cast by putting their hair in a jar together. This moment, filled with excitement and openness, set the stage for their musical journey.
Freeman-Taylor and Barbaglia, both with classical music backgrounds, and Addison, with his own musical project under his belt, found a common ground in their shared love for music. Their first gig, filled with songs like 'Spaghetti Man' and 'The Snail Song', was a warm, intimate affair, and they've been gigging regularly ever since, playing two or three times a week.
Despite their close creative connection, each band member has their own passions outside of the band. Barbaglia trains MMA, finding gyms in every city they tour, while Freeman-Taylor does acrobatics, and Addison writes a blog and builds lists of gigs and new music. These outside interests are not distractions but extensions of the same impulse, a way to stay present and connected to their art.
The band's philosophy is rooted in the idea of art as a life practice rather than a transitional performance. They draw inspiration from bands like Sonic Youth and Fugazi, which create networks and support other artists. This philosophy is evident in their shows, where they measure success not by precision but by connection. Freeman-Taylor's humor, a blend of dark bluntness and unexpected silliness, adds a unique touch to their performances.
The album 'Role Model Hermit' is a reflection of the band's process and intuition. Freeman-Taylor describes her songs as falling into two realms: subjective stories and literal feelings. The album's closer, 'Mouse', is a striking moment, inspired by the idea of past lives and the emotional core of the song. It's a tale of two old souls reuniting, a symbol of the band's ability to create music that is both rooted and untethered.
In the end, Mary In The Junkyard is a band that's still learning how to live inside itself. Their music is a testament to the power of collaboration and the magic that happens when three distinct personalities come together. As they continue to explore their sound and their lives, they leave a lasting impression, a beacon of distant past but a promise of infinite future adventures.
