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M Coast, Say It With Slang

by Linda Dimond
02/02/2007

A young couple strolls through the park, arm in arm, laughing merrily as they pass giggling children, frolicking puppies, and babbling brooks. The sun beams from its perch high in the sky and the slight breeze tickles the sun's warmth with its cool, refreshing scent. The opening scene to the box office's latest romantic comedy? I think not. This is the carefree atmosphere of Marshmallow Coast's much anticipated album Say It In Slang.

Now under the shortened moniker M Coast, the band has released a full album after a three year hiatus. Say It In Slang is a colorful album, not unlike a potluck dinner of indie-pop music. The record boasts an eclectic mix of instruments, skillfully played and delivered to your speakers in a neat package tied up with a bow. Tinges of saxophone, flute, and trombone can be found tucked into the many layers of sound, but in moderation, so the album still manages to have an overall light and breezy sound.

The unconventional patterns of sound fall into place in oddly satisfying synchronized sounds. Leader Andy Gonzales' remarkable jazz guitar expertise is simple enough to not be overwhelming and in-your-face, but is enough to captivate you. It also adds a unique element to M Coast's sound, not usually found in indie-pop music. The tracks are, as expected from a pop band, very melodic and catchy.

Say It In Slang is a vocally sound record, excuse the corny pun. Gonzales delivers his signature dreamlike vocals, but one thing that sets this album apart from other M Coast records is that Emily Growden, wife of band member Derek Almstead, contributed her voice to lead a few of the songs. Her light, feathery voice is a perfect complement to Gonzales' guitar work. It's almost flute-like. The opening track, "Sailing Around the World" starts the album off with her voice, and is more than enough to catch your attention. Needless to say, Emily's voice is a wonderful addition to M Coast's laidback and lazy sound.

Good instrumentally, good vocally, I really have nothing bad to say about this album. It is simply a pleasure to listen to. If you feel you'd get bored with its tame, coffee shop feel, an occasional bit of humor is mixed into the lyrics to keep you on your toes. I would describe it as slightly reminiscent of Ween, but on a much less outrageous level. Overall, it's the perfect CD to throw in while you're relaxing, driving, or if you just want to background music to fill the silence.