Rating: 
What happens when two incredible songwriters unite to form a “super group” for all ages. We’ve seen past instances where it definitely hasn’t worked, but others have created mildly pleasing results. The New Mendicants, made up of Norman Blake and Joe Pernice definitely find themselves on the latter half of that train with Into the Lime. It’s a great listen, though one that isn’t necessarily going to wow; it’s more of a personal experience for fans of both men.
From the moment you hear the strummed guitar and the angelic voice of Pernice on “Sarasota” you get the feeling that Into the Lime is going to be a rather somber affair. The mood revolves around the music, primarily, in my ears; it’s gentle and never explosive, though the warmth of Joe’s vocals never hurts a song. But, they do step it up a notch by plugging in for “A Very Sorry Christmas,” which was the album’s only single. But, even here, the guitars that could ring out are quieted in the distance, barely making their presence felt. These tunes, like many of the others, are a sharp contrast to “Shouting Match,” the only song that really kicks things into gear. Perhaps the percussion pushes things along, but I’d like to think that the rocker in both Blake and Pernice shined perfectly at the moment of recording; it’s one of my favorite tracks, if only for the fact that it changes the pace.
It’s strange, however, as my last few listens found me gravitating towards tunes that sound like neither of these musicians left their mark on the track, thus creating something new. “By the Time it Gets Dark” sounds like a traditional ballad that you’d find in Blake’s homeland, accented perfectly by Pernice backing him up, whilst a light piano twinkles. It’s a new form, letting the work of both men shine through, but not treading on the same old ground they’ve already walked. The same could be said for the album’s closer, “Lifelike Hair.” It’s a fuzzy rocker, though with a more psych-influenced fuzz than the power-pop sort you’d expect Norman to throw in. There’s definitely a new style for both here, and while I enjoy the song, it does leave a bad taste in my mouth, as it seems out-of-place on this release from The New Mendicants. Up until now, everything sounded succinct and expected, yet this tune just seems from out of left-field. Didn’t work for me.
While I enjoy a great deal of the songs that piece together Into the Lime, I’m not going to put them down as the greatest songs the two men involved have ever written. There good at what they do, and together, they make an enjoyable listen, but there’s some disjointed moments that don’t fit, affecting the whole collection of songs together. That being said, I’d encourage you to take your own trip with The New Mendicants, as each listener will surely locate their own personal gem within.
I’m going to be honest with you; I know very little about Coastal Town. But, I will fill you in on what information I do have…it’s just not much. The voice should be familiar to ATH followers, as it sounds like it’s Frode from I Was a King at the helm. This leads down a crazy path of tales and such…is I Was a King over or is Coastal Town just a new project? I do know from the IWaK blog that they have spent recent time in studio with Joe Pernice and Robyn Hitchcock…could this be part of it? I don’t really know any of it for sure, but I know the songs are incredible…so as I know more, I’ll keep you posted.
