NPR now has The Milk Carton Kids’ new record “Monterey” up and streaming in their First Listen feature…so here are my first listen regurgitated thoughts.

There’s no denying this is a Kenneth Pattengale and Joey Ryan album. It has a similar tone and quality to the previous albums released by the duo, but there is something that has changed in the feeling contained here.

The first track, ‘Asheville Skies’ displays an almost matadorian march in which Pattengale’s signature guitar playing takes on an almost Spanish-influenced sound at places. Its beautiful, really. The boys are not missing a beat and the harmonies are on point as always. For some reason, though, it doesn’t feel rushed or . Its a very natural and flowing vibe within in this tune, which then builds in a crescendo of notes, whilst still maintaining a neatness that is effortless, but so incredibly well played that I do a bit of a double take.

“Getaway” and the title track continue with the tenderness and warmth quality in their delivery.

“Secrets of the Stars” has quickly become my favorite track on the collection. The simple complexity of perfect harmonies and parts played…they feel simple, but truthfully are well thought and executed impeccably. The play on words as well, as the two don’t overexert themselves with literary devices and metaphors that you will be questioning meanings of, they lay the words out there to drink in and digest as you will.

And I long to hear the melody / That one time played inside my mind
and to love another helplessly / so breathing feels like putting out a fire

Overall the new record feels much more comfortable and light. I am not sure if that is due to how the album was recorded or just that Ryan and Pattengale have become so comfortable in their shared musical skin that playing and singing is like breathing for the two. There is an airy and openness feeling to entire compilation, an informal conversation that is much deeper than an outsider may observe. The music just kind of lays itself out very easily in that way. Not that previous records have been poorly recorded or played, because they have been absolutely incredible in my mind, but there is just something a bit more free-flowing and purely brilliant about Monterey. A quick new favorite in my record collection…as if there was any doubt.

http://themilkcartonkids.com/