You weren't thinking of Christmas music in August, but, if you're anything like me, you're up to your eyeballs in it now. It's not exactly the quintessence of avant garde or cutting edge --most of the genre is a soup of sucrose and tired standards. They evoke memories of puberty, of awkward family gatherings, yes--but seldom do they speak to creativity and emerging talent within the music industry.
Thankfully, Lauren Zettler and Cameron Mizell, here playing as Be Still, were thinking--all the way back in August--of how they could elevate the otherwise tired genre of holiday music. And, one listen to Zettler's wispy vocals and Mizell's deft touch to support Zettler's powerful voice with a range of sounds that evokes the blustery days of winter, you'll quickly forget this EP was made in the waning days of summer.
The 10-song EP achieves what few holiday albums can--be at once holiday music--vaguely familiar and cozy--and still, exceptional music. Listeners will gravitate, I suspect, toward the duo's original track, "Sounds Like Snow", and that's logical. These two have already shown themselves to be capable songwriters as Zettler's On Your Back Porch so clearly demonstrated. Mizell's slow guitar strums create a decidedly frosty aura. Zettler serves up her distinctively breathy voice--and soon, they've made good on their promise.
A "Silent Night" with a heavy dose reverbing electric guitar adds a touch of unpredictable to the very familiar. In doing so, it demonstrates not only the skills of two music talents, but it defines a creative energy that runs throughout the album--comfortably classic tunes do not have to sound like elevator music. (Don't take my word for it: Be Still is offering the track as a freebie for holidays through Mizell's website).
In a folk-rock-indie vein, they have slowed down many of these songs, bringing back to them a purity, a musicality that was lost and corrupted by years of big bands and Bob Dylan. Mizell carefully sets a mood that gives the music lover to hear all the instruments at work here--it is slow, reflective, and thoughtful as it is thought-provoking. It's the kind of music that makes you sit and stare at snow and think about how the holidays, thanks to Be Still, does not need to sound like a cartoon anymore.
Be Still - Sounds Like Snow
