Mutual Benefit - Love's Crushing Diamond

Each time this album begins, the sound of the chimes reminds me of the clicking sound you hear when you ascend to the peak of a roller coaster. Whatever emotion is at the front of your mind, it will be heightened by this album. I don't know Mutual Benefit's full story or how they came about being so wonderful, but I do know that this album has at least one track that could be played in any modern film with good taste.

Love's Crushing Diamond is so simple, yet it's emotional trajectory is almost exquisitely painful. Take the floaty chill vibes of Washed Out and then ask them to go to the woods in Wisconsin for a winter and think happy thoughts. This album is full of uplifting sentiments and sincere melodies. I read somewhere that it "comes at you like a gentle breeze but carries you away with the full force of a storm." 

Love's Crushing Diamond is what sweet, slow mornings are made of. It's personal, profound, quietly intimate, and it's own universe. The track Advanced Falconry is the gravitational pull of this (at times) whimsical-sounding album. Jordan Lee softly approaches issues in his life that most can relate to: hating his desk job, happy that he sees a friendly face while staring into a 'void', self discovery, the measure of man. All together, a man's journey has never sounded so patient and charming. Prepare to be swept away then gently brought down over and over again. 

Consider this little gem a gift to you all for the holidays. 

Be merry my loves!