Friends since their high school days in the Los Angeles suburb of La Canada,
Sam Blasucci
and
Clay Finch
have kept up a long-term collaboration as
Mapache
, a breezy singer/songwriter duo steeped in a melange of earthy West Coast vibes.
Swinging Stars
is their fifth LP together and follows
Blasucci
's solo debut, which was released a few months prior. Recorded during a focused week at Stinson Beach's scenic Panoramic House studio,
is an intriguing entry in
's catalog. More than any of their previous releases, it highlights the individual characteristics of each songwriter, relying on their natural chemistry to glue things together. The Spanish-sung "Sentir" sets a soft tone to start the album, which picks up with the standout "French Kiss," a nimble rocker of cascading
Toussaint
piano rolls and stinging
Garcia
guitar solos. As the record unfolds, the two friends continue to reveal more of their character with
playing the pop maestro to
Finch
's ambling cosmic cowboy. The latter's easygoing "What a Summer" is a joy to behold, casting its poetic Western spell ahead of the tandem-sung "Hey," which resembles fellow early pop enthusiasts
the Cactus Blossoms
. Although
has always been identified by its core duo, they've consistently toured with a rhythm section, and drummer
Steve Didelot
earns his full-time induction into the band with a song contribution of his own on "Reflecting Everything," another highlight. The record draws its title from the charming tumbleweed lounge instrumental "Home Among the Swinging Stars," led by
's spectral bamboo flute.
has always been about good, honest songwriting, and on
, the casual, organic arrangements they provide serve them well. Even amid the emerging identities of its two star players, it hangs together as a delightfully cohesive volume. It's the sound of old friends playing guitar and singing together in a good room, a vibe that never gets old. ~ Timothy Monger