Never underestimate simplicity. Balmorhea (pronounced “bal-mor-ay”), an instrumental indie band from Austin, Texas, seem to follow this rule – and the result is pure elegance. Michael Muller (guitar) and Rob Lowe (guitar and piano) – joined by others on violin, upright bass, cello and drums – connect to the listener with their instruments alone.
There are some music listeners out there who do not seem to function properly without lyrics to cling to. I must admit: I am one such person. However, even though there are no words, a conversation is taking place – and it is an extremely heartfelt and relatable one at that. Perhaps this is because I can make up my own words and meaning. While listening to a track such as “Baleen Morning” (from their second release Rivers Arms), for example, I am swept up in a gentle and rhythmic outpouring of memories and images – as the piano and guitar begin to meld in the first few seconds of the song. When the strings start to blur in and out and eventually collide with the other instruments, there are instantaneous moments of joyful peacefulness and melancholic reflection. This experience will undoubtedly be different for each person’s ear, but rest assured, it will be one of the best (and possibly most cathartic) experiences of your life.
For those of you who will be attending South by Southwest, Balmorhea will be playing on March 19th at 4 pm at The Side Bar and 8 pm at Club 115. For others who aren’t so lucky, visit their Myspace page or pick up their latest CD, All Is Wild, All Is Silent on March 10th.
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