Reviews

Escondido “The Ghost of Escondido”

Escondido
The Ghost of Escondido
By Gerry Gomez
Staff Writer

Escondido is a Nashville formed duo of Jessica Maros and Tyler James. Their vibey Spaghetti Western sound has a Southwestern desert sway to it, somewhat reminiscent of the Friends of Dean Martinez, Calexico and parts of Son Volt infused with Ennio Morricone. They create a really alluring vibe for such a young group. The Ghost of Escondido is their debut album on Kill Canyon.

“Jess was quietly strumming this song ‘Rodeo Queen’ on the couch while everyone else was making drinks in the kitchen,” says James of their fortuitous meetings during recording of a mutual friend, “I pushed record and added a little groove before folks got back in the room.” Maros and James had been solo artists that time and place magically put together as if the universe was giving them a sign to work together. The result of their fateful demo was instantaneous combustion as the two decided later that night to make a record together.

Acting as more the arranger and producer individual of the pair, James seems to be the perfect compliment while Maros’ lyrics are the muse. They spent a few months crafting the songs and bonding over a shared love of spaghetti westerns and 70’s music. Key to Maros’ lyrics are the poetry of prolific friend Leanne Ford, whom she borrowed lines of poetry from to form some songs on Ghost.

“I took some phrases and titles and turned them into songs and made them relatable to my life,” says Maros in an interview. Though a rootsy album, Maros’ lyrics mine personal territory of love and relationship, fate and circumstance.  “I’m Bad Without You”, “Evil Girls,” “Rodeo Queen,” “Don’t Love Me Too Much” are country gothic alternative songs laced with melancholy and depth.

Listening to Escondido will conjure up a slightly more upbeat Mazzy Star, who Maros says in an inspiration. The song, “Cold October” carries a Fleetwood Mac-type laid back melody with James’ signature chiming guitars and overall production giving it their unique blend of vocal hovering over the instruments. It is the pair at their best on the album.

While Maros takes the lead on all tracks on Ghost, “Bad Without You” features the two singing together in choruses to a rousing effect. As does, “Special Enough” that features a searing guitar lead, poetic and deep in response to the heaviness of the lyrics.

The Ghost of Escondido is a superb offering by the band. Recorded in quick sessions at The Casino Studio in Nashville, James feels the essence and immediacy of the band was captured.

“We wanted to capture that initial instinct,” says James. “The talent in this town allows you to set up in one room and let ‘em do their thing.” Musicians Evan Hutchings (drums) and Adam Keafer (bass) provide the rhythm section to Scotty Murray’s washed out western-style electric guitar. Some horns and keyboards used sparingly also add to the soundtrack quality of the album.

It would be interesting to hear some of the guitar studio twang dialed down a bit to bring the vocal more central, but that’s certainly an individual style call. What Escondido doesn’t lack is youthful exuberance and that is one thing they ride nicely on this debut.

Nashville-meets-Laurel Canyon duo Escondido return to Los Angeles in April for a handful of performances in April. Monday April 8th at Chris Doridas’ (KCRW) School Night @ Bardot, Tuesday, April 9th on Conan (TBS, 11pm ET/10pm Central)Wednesday, April 17th at The Standard Hollywood – Desert Nights (7:30 pm) and at the 98.7 & Mimi Chica 2013 Desert Flea Market at Coachella (JW Marriott Palm Desert) on Saturday, April 20th, 1-4 pm.

http://www.thebandescondido.com

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