Moriarty - The Missing Room (2011)

Moriarty - The Missing Room: A Review of the 2011 Album

Moriarty is a French-American folk band that has been making music since 1999. Their name is inspired by the character of Professor Moriarty, the archenemy of Sherlock Holmes. Their style is eclectic and diverse, blending influences from blues, country, rock, jazz, and more. Their third album, The Missing Room, was released in 2011 and features 12 tracks that showcase their creativity and talent.

The Missing Room is a concept album that revolves around the idea of a mysterious room that contains the memories and secrets of the band members. Each song is a story that reveals a part of their personal history, their dreams, their fears, their hopes. The album is also a tribute to their musical influences, as they cover songs by Leonard Cohen, Bob Dylan, Tom Waits, and others.

The album opens with I Will Do, a catchy and upbeat song that expresses the band's determination to pursue their artistic vision. The song features accordion, dobro, guitar, bass, drums, and harmonica, creating a rich and lively sound. The vocals are shared by Rosemary Standley, the lead singer, and Arthur B. Gillette, the guitarist and pianist.

Isabella is the second track and one of the highlights of the album. It is a song about a woman who escapes from an abusive relationship and finds freedom and happiness in nature. The song has a folk-rock vibe, with electric guitar, harmonica, bass, and drums. The lyrics are inspired by a poem by M. Kenny, a friend of the band.

Clementine is another standout track that showcases Standley's vocal range and emotion. It is a song about a girl who falls in love with a boy who doesn't love her back. The song has a melancholic and haunting atmosphere, with acoustic guitar, double bass, harmonica, and lead guitar.

Where Is The Light is a ballad that questions the meaning of life and the existence of God. It is a song that reflects the band's spiritual journey and their doubts and fears. The song features piano, bass, drums, harmonica, and lead guitar.

Beasty Jane is a playful and humorous song that tells the story of a woman who has a wild side and likes to have fun. It is a song that celebrates female empowerment and sexuality. The song features guitar, double bass, and vocals.

Serial Fields is an instrumental track that creates a contrast with the previous songs. It is a minimalist and experimental piece that uses banjo, double bass, drums, harmonica, lead guitar, and field recordings. The track evokes a sense of mystery and suspense.

The next track is Jimmy, a cover of the song by Moriarty's idol Leonard Cohen. It is a tribute to Cohen's poetic lyrics and his influence on the band's style. The song features guitar, double bass, drums,

harmonica,

and vocals.

Julie Gold's Candy Cane Tale is another cover song that pays homage to Tom Waits. It is a song about a girl who lives in a fantasy world and escapes from reality. The song has a theatrical and whimsical feel, with piano,

accordion,

double bass,

drums,

and vocals.

The next track is Fireday

, an original song that explores the theme of death and rebirth. It is a song that expresses the band's hope for a better future and their acceptance of change. The song features piano,

guitar,

bass,

drums,

and vocals.

The eleventh track is Cottonflower

, another original song that deals with love and loss. It is a song about a man who misses his lover who left him for another man. The song has a sad and nostalgic tone,

with guitar,

bass,

drums,

and vocals.

The album closes with When I Ride

, a cover of Bob Dylan's When I Paint My Masterpiece

. It is a song that expresses the band's artistic ambition

and their desire to create something meaningful ec8f644aee