Mutual Benefit - Love's Crushing Diamond

Artist: Mutual Benefit

Album: Love’s Crushing Diamond

Label: Other Music Recording Company

Release Date: October 25^th, 2013 (Digital Release)

Review by: Sean Kayden

Mutual Benefit is the experimental baroque folk project of Jordan Lee. He’s been releasing music for several years, but “Love’s Crushing Diamond” marks his first proper LP release.  Already a buzz artist for a few years now, this debut record may launch the man from obscurity to indie folk stardom. “Love’s Crushing Diamond” may only be seven tracks in length, but these ardent tunes are entirely heartfelt. The arrangements consisting of guitar, violin, banjo, percussion and other interesting sounds are always graceful and heavenly. However, what really pulls you in is Lee’s fragile and elegant voice that sends chills down your spine. His ability to create these atmospheric sounds is relatively stunning. There is optimism and a yearning latched onto the record even when the songs appear to be downbeat and somber. “Love’s Crushing Diamond” is romantic at heart but the record runs deep creating an emotional landscape filled with beautiful experimental sounds, emotive vocals, along with celestial arrangements. “Love’s Crushing Diamond” is filled with hope when all hope seems gone these days.

Lee’s whispery vocals occupy the record and the results are rather lovely. On “Golden Wake,” Lee boldly states, “we weren’t made to be afraid.” This sentiment is kind of a theme for the record. A collection of songs to get yourself back up from the ground, stand tall, and take care of those you love. The record glides as much as it moves you in ways you could only wish for in a record. The music seems more like art than anything else. It’s a canvas with panorama of meanings. Each listen may give you another interpretation. “Advanced Falconry” is the most expansive track and undoubtedly the best one. The romanticism on display is divine. It’s a sweet, gorgeously crafted song that would have one becoming lost within their personal daydream. Lee isn’t heavy handed with his lyrics. The harmonies found on “‘Let’s Play/Statue of a Man,” are exquisite.  Lee sings, “There’s always love/when you think there’s none to give,” which stays true to the idea that “Love’s Crushing Diamond” is idealistic even in a world increasingly becoming disparaged.

The debut record from Jordan Lee is truly an accomplishment. I believe that the album is quite effective, as all the songs feel super connected. “Love’s Crushing Diamond” is an album you’d have to listen in the comfort of isolation. If you allow it to sink in, you’ll be quite stirred by the experience. It’s one of the better folk type records to come around this year. Lee has constructed a small album with a big impact on the human spirit. Just like with love, if you let this album get inside, you’ll be amazed at what it can do. And if love is truly the answer, then this album is the medicine for an ailing heart.

Grade: 8.5 out of 10

Key Tracks: “Golden Wake,” “Advanced Falconry,” “That Light That’s Blinding,” “"Let's Play" / Statue of a Man”