"There’s something about this world that's so dark it's beautiful
it's a beauty that’s so hard to see when you're gone" (The Part I Hate Most)
The Mural and The Mint's Michael Kiley cares a lot about the music that he makes, and the city that he lives in. Philadelphia is home to this very talented songwriter, and if you've dug far enough into the history of his new project's name, you'll have found that "The Mural" and "The Mint" parts, are both derived from his relationship with the city that he lives in, and most notably its historic and creative surroundings. "The name for the project came from the city of Philadelphia, home to more murals than any other city in the country, and to the Franklin Mint." Kiley has lived here for a little under 10 years, but seems to take great pride in the love he has for the place that he calls home.
You may also be familiar with Kiley's other band Cordalene, which he joined as vocalist and guitarist in 2002. Although The Mural and The Mint's sound is filled with Kiley's vocals and guitar, the final result on his latest E.P. Caterpillar-Cocoon-Butterfly is much more of an exultant and personal listening experience. The new songs bring to mind the vocal styling and compositions of Colin Meloy and The Decemberists, recounting everything from reactionary stories, to tales of woe, love and life. If we were taking it literally, experiences and the stages of living. The melodies range from ragged and pointed stops to a darkened delivery and deep instrumental changes.
All of the songs here practically illuminate with their own unique, beautiful, and quiet strength. "My mind stutters with wonder..." (Oh, So Sweetly) Kiley not only has a way with words, but a tale to tell stemming from the city that he lives in, and the place he does call home. The issue of gun violence pervades the lyrics of the last two songs with the poignantly written "Tyree", and "Something to React Against". Everyone has their own story to tell, and Michael Kiley's lyrics on these last two songs don't mince any words in creating very real imagery.
Engineered earlier this year by Miner Street Studios' Amy Morrissey and mixed by Brian McTear (Matt Pond PA, BC Camplight, Danielson, The A-sides, Spinto Band, etc.) here in Philadelphia, the actual E.P. is a free release on The Mural and The Mint's website where it notes, "All of our music is free, as all music should be". The band is also taking donations for the work that they've created. Every artist has to start somewhere, and hopefully this is only the beginning stage for The Mural and The Mint; from caterpillar, to cocoon, to butterfly.
Track Listing:
Cartwheels
The Part I Hate Most
Nothing Left to Holler
Oh, So Sweetly
Tyree
Something to React Against
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