Little Melancholy Folk

Indie trio Little May has released their first full-length LP, For The Company. Consisting of Australian self-taught musicians Liz Drummond, Hannah Field and Annie Hamilton, Little May produces moody folk with undercurrents of dark elegance and whimsicality. Each track on For The Company emits an unmistakable air of wistfulness; amorphous melodies combine with silky and delicate vocals. The album is sleep-inducing in the best way imaginable; it’s almost impossible not to slip into a dreamlike daze while listening. The production is awe-inspiring: pure, clean, pop-perfection.

Melancholy is the central mood of For The Company. Each song is broodier and more angsty to the last, most of the lyrics sung in a yearning and mournful tone. Nearly all of the lyrics sung on For The Company are beautifully and deliberately written, many of them boasting themes of nostalgia and sentimentality. “Seven Hours” is a standout track; it is a whirling rabbit hole of echoing melodies featuring an emotionally vibrant and resonant chorus. “The Shine is Brighter At Night” is practically a lullaby, impossibly soothing and warmly comforting.

The only qualm to be found with For The Company is the pure lack of variety offered on a track to track basis. Every song is beautiful and elaborate, but so much so that they become utterly indistinguishable. “Remind Me” offers a brief respite from the parade of somber lovesick longing with a tempo boost and an energetic drumbeat; these three minutes seem to be the only variation. However, this misgiving is just a mere bump in the road considering the utter instrumental craftsmanship and transcendental lyricism that makes up For The Company. Folk pop has never sounded so smooth and accessible, and self-taught musicians have never sounded so impressive.