Suzy Mangion: The Other Side of the Mountain

This is a far from ordinary record by a singer capable of casting an intimate and melancholy spell. Suzy Mangion creates a spiritual atmosphere from very little. “Sudden Glory” could be an Eno outtake from Another Green World, “Ohio the Homeland” and “The Incredible Friend” sounds like hymns and the brief “Chant” exudes a cappella ambience. By way of contrast,”Come in By Stealth” suggests a singer toiling while an inattentive audience chatters amongst themselves. “The March Past” benefits from Suzy’s fine minimalist wailing, some thumping percussion and indeterminate buzzing accompaniment. The dramatic phrasing of “Il Mondo è Qui” is equal parts Luigi Tenco and Abba. Suzy Mangion was formerly half of George and is now half of The Winter Journey. She has recorded with Piano Magic, Arbol, and The Big Eyes Family Players. Anthony Braithwaite, James Green, Tim Shepherd and Pio Mangion help out, but Suzy Mangion’s smoky and ethereal voice carries The Other Side of the Mountain. As usual, the Pickled Egg label is all about quality over quantity.