Margaret Slovak and Chris Maresh present a hushed reverence with “A Star’s Light Does Fall.” These skeletal musings feel undoubtedly intimate. Every gesture gets amplified in the vast open space by keeping arrangements to the absolute essentials. The interplay between them feels inspired, as they rely upon the themes as a starting point. How they move away from these initial points is the most intriguing and extraordinary aspect, with the evolution of the sound downright beautiful. They embrace their material’s timelessness and execution, creating an album that sidesteps trends for something more eternal.
https://margaretslovak.bandcamp.com/album/a-stars-light-does-fall
“O Come, O Come Emmanuel” strengthens the album, setting the tone for what follows. Whispers of melody come through, giving the song a mysterious air, even though the music is undoubtedly familiar. A personal favorite of mine emerges on “Christmas Time Is Here,” whose origins as a Charlie Brown add to the melancholy. Easily one of the best Christmas songs out there; there is something nostalgic about it, moving away from the usual pure joy for a much more complicated set of emotions. Gradual changes shift through the contemplative mode of “Christmas Dinner.” Compassion melodies echo into a soothing groove with “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas.” Perfectly bringing things to a close is the understated finale, “Hallelujah,” which allows the instrumentation plenty of room to roam.
“A Star’s Light Does Fall” has Margaret Slovak & Chris Maresh revisit beloved classics from an entirely new angle, displaying the fragile nature that rests at each song’s core.
http://www.margaretslovak.com/
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