The duo that makes the band Mandolin Orange is Andrew Marlin and Emily Frantz of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and just this year they’ve released their fifth studio album called Blindfaller. Mandolin Orange’s sound is an interwoven blend of folk, bluegrass and country that has led them to play some iconic stages, like at Newport Folk Festival, Austin City Limits, and the Telluride Bluegrass Festival. They are currently on the lineup for Forecastle in 2017, as well.
Quiet Little Room is the name of their debut album released in 2010, but even after all these years of being together, the dynamic of the duo is just as strong. Their songs are soft and comforting between their soothing voices and gentle mandolin and violin strings–a balance of inspiration that each song depends on. Many of their songs are inspired by faith and hope, while others are just simple tales about life, love, and sadness, too. In the song “Waltz About Whiskey” off their third album they sing, “And I’m as blue as the night is long, so won’t someone dance with me to a waltz about whiskey and turn the sad songs to lullabies.”
Their music is simple, but it’s sophisticated and alluring–especially when the harmonies come along and give you all these thoughts and feelings you weren’t necessarily expecting at all.
Music Hall of Williamsburg
3/23
9 p.m.
$20
axs.com
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