Andrew Lipke – Motherpearl and Dynamite

Album Reviews • Wednesday November 26th, 2008 • 2:48 pm

Creative mastermind and Philadelphia native Andrew Lipke played a major role in his Mad Dragon Records release. Not only did he write every song (with one exception), he performed (along with The Prospects), produced and mixed Motherpearl and Dynamite.

The album begins with crispy acoustics on “On My Way,” which are later accompanied by simple piano and shakers, and closes with beautiful harmonies. Though most tracks run four minutes plus, Lipke keeps listeners engaged by utilizing different instruments and changing the tempos from song to song. “Get it Over With” is mellow and drags on a bit, but the pace picks up with the rock-infused “Sweet Changing Heart” and “The Barker Song,” which is slightly heavier with more electronic guitars than acoustic. While 6 minutes and 20 seconds can feel like forever for a song, “Mindgames” goes through different stages and changes within itself, making it bearable.

Though mostly folk-rock with banjos and the like, Motherpearl has classical undertones with violins and strings adding depth to the mix. For some bands, incorporating strings can be a rather ambitious endeavor, but Lipke pulls it off. A folk-orchestra sound can also go terribly wrong, but Iron and Wine and Calexico’s split, In the Reins, paved the way for Lipke to be successful with this. Furthermore, Sam Beam might want to consider taking Lipke on as tour support, since they also share similar vocal styles.

Another aspect of Motherpearl that cannot be ignored is the lyrics, which are often melancholy yet reassuring. On one of the key tracks, “Forgive and Forget,” Lipke croons about making mistakes in relationships, looking back and realizing he was wrong. He sings, “I hope we can do like that good book it says, forgive and forget…” but ultimately “all that remains is two empty hearts.” Though the content should make the listener sad, there is a faint glimmer of hopefulness that shines through.

“Flesh and Bone” also conveys this theme of hope. With bad things in the world, Lipke suggests that dreams are often a happy place to turn: “Stay inside your head my girl this world’s no place for you/ you are better off a dream… If you wanna go, just close yours eyes and don’t look back.” Along with the lyrics, the calming, lullaby-like “ooh”s at the song’s end capture the flowing feeling of a dream.

Lipke will not disappoint those who have come before him, and there is no doubt that he will fulfill the dream of many to have a promising musical future.