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Non-Prog CD Reviews

May Stands Still

When You Come Home

Review by Gary Hill

While folk music is the central element on this disc, it’s not the only thing going on with the music here. There are symphonic elements at times and rock at points. The vocals really sell this more than anything else in the mix, but it all works together to create a consistent and potent release. The main person behind May Stands Still is Emily Herndon and it’s obvious she is one talented lady.

This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2012  Volume 6 at lulu.com/strangesound.

Track by Track Review
Gotta See
Very folk oriented, this is bouncy and catchy. It’s also quite pretty and has a lot of energy, despite the understated vocals. There are bits of whistling in the arrangement.
Wild
From the onset, it’s obvious this piece will be mellower and slower. It’s more ballad-like and rather delicate. There are hints of country on this, but overall it’s pop meets folk music.
I Want You
We get sort of a traveling energy to this tune and there seem to be more layers of sound making this feel lush and rich.
New Groove
Percussion starts this one off and the music builds out from there. Energy and “groove” are both key here and this is a tasty tune. It’s not greatly removed from the rest of the stuff, but fresh and different at the same time. There’s a violin solo later in this cut, lending a whole different musical element. 
Soldier
More powerful and dramatic, this has a real classic folk or even country sound to it. It’s more ballad-like. It’s also pretty and poignant. There are quite a few layers of sound adding to the “oomph” of the piece.  The final segment of the cut is more energized and really brings a lot to the table. 
Make Me
There’s clearly more of a folk rock sound here. This one is arguably the most accessible and “rocking” of anything on the disc. 
Sleeping Alone
While this is clearly mellower, it has some powerful musical bits and layers of arrangement. There are more energized sections, too. 
Wherever You Are
Surely this is one of the mellower and more delicate songs of the disc. That said, the vocals are among the strongest.  There are also some great, intricate bits of acoustic guitar in the mix. This is a great piece of music that’s one of my favorites here. It does get more energy and power in later sections. 
Riana
One of the most decidedly folk cuts of the whole disc, this is still bouncy and fun. It’s quite a nice piece of music. 
Falling
Symphonic strings open this. That gives way to a bouncy, but still quite folky tune. It’s a good one, but not really a standout.
Blue June
Extremely mellow, this is slow and pretty. It’s got more country in its mix than anything else here does. It’s another strong tune.
 
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