Mikal Cronin
MCIII
[Merge Records]
Definitely a talented constructor of melodic indie-rock, Mikal Cronin is nonetheless capable of smothering his own sound, when he clearly just wants to build it up. His experimentation with orchestral arrangements begins promisingly on Turn Around, but soon the tumult of strings, horns, bristling bass and soaring guitar solos suggests more is less, with clarity often sacrificed in the name of empty bombast. The aptly titled closer Circle does bring Cronin back to his (relatively) unadorned best – ramp-downs rarely feel so exhilarating.
Words: Leo Devlin
