Michael Cormier-O’Leary - “Marilyn”
Pic by Abi Reimold
Michael Cormier-O’Leary from Philadelphia, USA, unveils his new EP, leading with the ethereal “Marilyn.”
“Marilyn” holds a really sublime childlike and subtly psychedelic mood that is reminiscent of The Beach Boys Smiley Smile. Much in the same way as Brian Wilson, Michael Cormier-O’Leary isn’t just writing folk songs, he sounds like he is archiving vibrations from the human soul. The songs story revolves around a five-year-old who retreats into her crayon box and drawings to drown out the chaos of her home life.
With a haunting lo-fi intimacy, you get the same feeling when you find a faded Polaroid photograph at the bottom of a box or chest of drawers. Anchored by weaving fingerpicked acoustic guitars that spiral mesmerically, the song feels like a sonic sanctuary. The song feels complex but there is a beautiful sense of restraint from the gently pulsing bass and skitter and rattle of percussion.
The song’s crowning glory though is undoubtedly the gorgeous three-part harmonies and the spacey chants that outro the song. These vocal layers are a texture in themselves as they softly flesh out the innocent melodies. They feel like a summer afternoon that turns into a transcendental experience. Strong comparisons can be drawn here not only to sandbox genius of The Beach Boys but also Linda Perhacs.
With lo-fi honesty and strong hints of 1960s sun drenched pastoral folk, “Marilyn” will linger long after the needle lifts. The track is taken from the EP Proof Enough which is out today via Dear Life Records. Connect with Michael Cormier-O’Leary: Instagram | Bandcamp | Spotify