Baby Scream is one of those peculiar post-i-Tunes phenomena, a shape-shifting internet based musical creation that changes its form according to the driving force behind it, in this case vocalist and songwriter Juan Mazzola.
The band has developed from solo project through acoustic duo (with lead guitarist Cristian Basualdo) to full scale band and back again in its journey from birthplace Argentina to the cultural melting pot of continental Europe and thence to the pubs and clubs of London. Juan has played everywhere from empty local watering holes to packed football stadiums as he has taken his thoughtful and sensitive brand of intensely melodic indie folk pop around the world.
Sufjan Stevens, The Beatles and Bowie
Nowhere is this sound more beautifully showcased than in the emotional range and elegant simplicity of the Monsters EP. With vocals leaning towards the Sufjan Stevens / Decemberists end of the indie folk range, and guitar and percussion arrangements that give more than a passing nod to ‘60s greats like the Beatles and David Bowies’ now legendary ‘70s tracks, Juan manages to convey a sense of emotional and musical depth that sets him apart from some of the blander singing-songwriting acoustic acts out there.
Honest Indie Gold
It’s certainly not an EP to get the pulse racing, but its melodies have a gentle originality about them that demands attention and a clarity and confidence that shines through. It is refreshing to find tracks that are not thrashingly overcooked or self-consciously ambitious. This is straight up, straight forward, clear glazed, honest indie gold.
The EP opens with ‘Blue River’, a haunting melody on acoustic guitar accompanied by strings. A touch of eeriness creeps in with the abundance of minor and minor 7th chords which lend a certain spookiness to Juan’s confident vocal. His voice is at times soft and whispering, intimate even, at others harshly powerful.
Britrock Parallels, Lennon Vocals and Heartfelt Tributes
‘Monster’ meanwhile feels as though it has more in common with Athlete, early Coldplay or something equally Britrock, with its driving percussive line and contrastingly gentle vocals. The melody is catchy, addictive, and the distinctively harmonised chorus gives us the first hint of a Beatles influence as the vocals take on a definite Lennon-esque quality.
‘Slut’ provides another change of direction, this time into angry Americana, blues rock style. The bass and drum lines are pure country, while Juan provides fiery contrasting vocals, spiced with a spitting angry lyric.
‘Mars’ pays direct homage to Bowie in lyrics, pace, guitar and overall arrangement. And yet it holds its own value, neither falling into the common traps of mimicry nor turning into a claim of musical heritage. It’s a tribute made from the heart and delivered with style.
The EP’s penultimate track is a pure sing-along pop fest. It’s sweet and innocent, catchy and hook-laden and it rises to a full blown crescendo finale.
‘Across the Universe’ and Optimistic Endings
‘Gone Forever’ really takes the Beatles more philosophically reflective tracks to heart with its cascading acoustic guitars and plaintive vocals. It’s a two part track which again displays Juan’s uncanny knack for finding catchy melodies, like the rest of the EP. However this track is deeper, more anguished to start with. It’s about loss, shock, and grieving. There is optimism too, which finds its outlet in the major chords, the closure of the chorus, and the pleasant upbeat guitar solo.
The second part of the track takes a more philosophical approach, reminiscent of The Beatles’ ‘Across the Universe’. Its poignant strings and guitars and tender lyrics give hope for meaning after loss and bring the EP to a natural close.
Monsters: a New Indie Darling
There is much to find in this short but sweet collection for the discerning indie lover. The danger is that the simplicity of certain tracks will bore the thrill seekers, and offer nothing new to the already low key acoustic converted. However, this is a songsmith who deserves a thoughtful ear to accompany conscientious songwriting. Those who enjoy Sufjan Stevens, The Decemberists, and/or the rockier side of indie folk will discover a new darling in Baby Scream. Try it, you just might like it.
Further Reading
Readers who enjoyed Monsters might also like to read about John Moen’s (Decemberists) Perhapst, or Portland newcomers Blind Pilot and Caught in Motion.
Lisa Sutlieff - Lisa is a freelance music journalist and copywriter from Reading, UK, with a penchant for indie bands and an ear for shiny new ...
