Album Review: "As For Martinton" by Manna Frost Trio

As For Martinton was released on July 30 and is
available on Manna Frost Trio's Bandcamp

Manna Frost Trio are a band that's likely to take you by surprise. When I first listened to the band I'm not quite sure of what I expected, but I can guarantee you that it wasn't this. The Manna Frost Trio is an amorphous project that seems to straddle between the one-man band of Stacy Harden and an array of talented Carrboro area musicians. Though the band may not actually be a trio--Harden records these tracks by himself--nobody here is arguing semantics when they pull off their sound as brilliantly as they do. As For Martinton grasps the listeners attention from the opening note to the closing croons, with gorgeous folk rock roots guiding the band along the way.

The album opens with the wistful "Waste I Will,"a track that feels like a conglomeration of Dawes and Fleet Foxes, the track is fueled by its strong, passionate lyrical content but has been built upon a shuffling foundation of fingerpicked guitars and effervescent percussion. "How could I be lonesome here?/There's only time to waste, and waste I will," the words have the capacity to seep into your core while you find yourself mesmerized by the rich harmonies that fill the album. As For Martinton is filled with plaintive lyricism that's brightened by fantastic harmonies, making for an experience that's just as emotionally fulfilling as it is aurally.