More Than Just Sandwich Spread

Solo artist Howie B, Crispin Hunt of Longpigs, and producer Will O’Donovan have decided to collaborate and form a project called Mayonnaise. Smooth and creamy like the project’s namesake, this electronica combination effort album is an important addition to the genre’s repertoire.The reason this self-titled album is such an important part of the ever-expanding electronica genre, is because it is one of those wonderful examples of vastly different styles being able to be effortlessly, tastefully melded together. The UK trio combines influences from their wide variety of collaboration and producing projects from the past, spanning groups and acts like U2, Tricky, The Clash, Massive Attack, and Brian Eno. There are definite aspects of genres from Classic Rock to Soundscape and everything in between. The vocals are stylistically and tonally comparable to Robert Smith of The Cure and David Byrne of Talking Heads. The fluid, orchestral, reverb-etched vocals of “Blueberry” and the oldies, sing-a-long style of “Because of the Weather” show Hunt and O’Donovan’s range of vocal abilities. The toe-tapping rock-influenced beats of “To My Head” and the tribal beats of “Falling Star” show the group’s diversity in percussion. The melodies produced are haunting and easily remembered, making it one of those albums that you keep in your head.

Combination efforts like Mayonnaise are a great way for musicians to share, improve and add onto their passions, styles, and modes. The audience reaps the benefits. Instead of a foreboding set and rigid closed-off industry, groups like this open the listener up and introduce them to music that they never thought they would enjoy.