2015's
Holly Miranda found the vocalist and songwriter moving into more expansive and glossier territory than she pursued on her 2010 solo debut
The Magician's Private Library, generating airy, evocative soundscapes that were a lovely complement to
Miranda's breathy but powerful vocals. With 2018's
Mutual Horse,
Miranda's creative ambitions continue to evolve.
Mutual Horse sounds bigger and more adventurous than her previous solo work; the arrangements suggest a larger and more gifted pool of musicians was on board, and while the production doesn't call attention to itself, it captures the nooks and crannies of the performances beautifully. While the album makes savvy use of electronics, at its best,
Mutual Horse suggests a 21st century equivalent of a vintage Wrecking Crew session of the '70s, with the interplay between the musicians nearly as satisfying as
Miranda's vocals. And that says a great deal, since she is in splendid voice here. Her delivery is soulful without becoming melodramatic, and vividly emotional while making wise use of nuance and detail. A sorrowful tone dominates
Mutual Horse, but rather than wallowing in heartache,
Miranda's songs and her performances speak of love turned cold as well as the hope that better times can be found somewhere down the road. And
Miranda takes "When Your Lonely Heart Breaks," a tune from one of
Neil Young's lesser albums of the '80s, and makes into something very much her own, and it's a rare example of someone improving on one of
Young's performances.
Mutual Horse is an album of superb craft and no small degree of inspiration, a major work that refreshingly has its ego in check, sounding warm and intimate. It's further evidence that
Holly Miranda has quietly matured into a major artist and an estimable talent. ~ Mark Deming