Portland, Oregon-based Muscle and Marrow has spent the previous 3 years building an eclectic fan base with their music formed by a unique blend of experimental rock, pop, and folk sounds. The members of the duo – Kira Clark (guitarist/vocalist) and Keith McGraw (drummer/sample artist) – emerged after the release of their 2014 debut, The Human Cry, for their ethereal melodies and moody themes, and plan to build on this success with 7-track follow-up album Love.

According to She Shreds, Love was inspired by a sorrowful period Clark went through during the making of the album: the tragic loss of her grandmother. The album consequently has been noted for its emotional and delicate exploration of the intimate relationships, trust built in such relationship, and the grief we face when we lose these people. When Clark is not exploring these themes, she focuses her song on feminine power, another topic close to her. Much of her music covers big, universal ideas, as opposed to specific circumstances. While fans appear to be attracted to Clarke’s penchant ambiguity and relatability, the singer’s use of such broad topics has been to her own dismay:

I’m actually growing frustrated with myself that I can’t seem to focus on tiny, manageable aspects of life. I’ve always been this way. I get caught up in huge themes of death and love and can’t slice life up into the little scraps that allow you to get out of bed and actually accomplish things.

She Shreds has premiered “Bereft Body” (but you can listen to the song above) and interviews with Clark about her next album, the band’s musical progression, and their reaction to listeners’ struggles to accurately place a label on the band.

Love is slated to be released May 27 through The Flenser. Check out the tracklisting below.

Love Track List:
1. My Fear
2. Black Hole
3. Womb
4. The Drooling Mouth
5. Sacs of Teeth
6. Bereft Body
7. Light