Holly Miranda has grown. After the break-up of her Jealous Girlfriends (QRO spotlight on) her solo debut, 2010’s The Magician’s Private Library (QRO review), was nice but not enough, and so 2015’s self-titled record (QRO review) was the one that established her own voice. Now, with the large Mutual Horse, she showcases further explorations.
Notable is that Miranda does not find herself limited by the usual ‘singer/songwriter’ stripped-down vibe, though she does do that as well on Horse. But there is also a strong smooth groove on the record, saxophone included, such as on “Exquisite” (which features contribution from TV On the Radio’s Kyp Malone on a piece that is smooth, but still interesting – much like TVOTR’s well-earned reputation). Miranda can be cool and knowing with songs like the sexy “Golden Spiral” and “Mr. Fongs”, but also honestly soul-bearing in “To Be Loved” (plus bonus points for a recording of her mother, pregnant with Holly, leading a family sing-along on “Gina”).
At fourteen tracks, Mutual Horse is perhaps too extended, too many ideas and attitudes thrown into the same mix, and Miranda’s slow style stretches things out. But that just shows how far she’s come.
