The Mops have released “Maurice”, a song from their new album Old Light. The whole album is a great experience but this is the one I kept coming back to after listening to the whole record. There is something lovely about how little it needs to make its point.
The song is gentle and soft with simple instrumentation that leaves so much space for the voices. The vocals are soothing and the warm layers around them never get in the way of the lyrics. The melody is captivating and may get stuck in your head for a good time.
The story behind this song makes it even more moving. The band spent time with a flightless goose during a music residency in Ontario, and the bird grew close to all four members. They named him Maurice, and when they had to leave, they brought him to a bird sanctuary. He died that night. It is a sad story, especially because this was such an unusual friendship, but the song does not turn it into something grand or overdone. It keeps things close and personal.
That is part of what works here. The music gives the story space instead of spelling out every emotion for the listener. Charlotte’s writing is impressive but the whole band helps make the song warm and full without making the arrangement busy. The Mops have put a lot of care into their music and this song is a lovely example of their songwriting. We loved listening to the full album, but this was the song that stayed with us the longest. It is quiet, tender and easy to replay.
