Dawn and Marra - Teaspoons and Tablespoons - Review!

Who the hell are Dawn and Marra and when did they become the best damn musical duo in Canada? OK, that’s obviously personal opinion but their new album Teaspoons and Tablespoons has been on heavy rotation in my household for over a week and I’m still excited! Filled with eight powerful songs, strong vocals and unique musical arrangements, this album is a refreshing independent release with a unique sound.

Produced by Howard Redekopp (The New Pornographers, Tegan and Sara) this album sounds great. It was recorded nice and low leaving lots of room for sound dynamics which they use nicely. The opening track Wicked Little Girl is a great example of this, making great use of studio techniques. They use a loop filled with finger snaps and hand claps to get a truly original rhythm track. This builds up a solid base to the song, soon to be joined by chanting type lyrics and rumbling drums, all leading up to the heart of the song. It gives me chills when I hear it.

Another of my favorite songs would be Animal. Leaning more to a traditional folk song filled with powerful lyrics and vocals. I especially love when they break it down to just hand clapping and singing towards the end, building up to a strong finish of them singing “I am an Animal” loudly with the drums kicking in behind them. It’s one of those songs that leave a lasting impression.   

All this talent and originality, these girls must have been at this for decade’s right? Nope! Dawn is only 20 and Marra 18, proving that experience is not always necessary for a great album. Sometimes people just figure out how to do it right the first time (luck? Time will tell). Dawn and Marra are from Hamilton Ontario and have been writing and performing for a few short years. They perform new songs almost weekly, always leaving their fans anticipating the next gig. Dawn handles the majority of the song writing with Marra pitching in with great harmonies and backing vocals.

Labelled as their debut album, but I know they had another CD released a few years prior. Perhaps they consider that album a demo now, who knows. Call it what you will, Teaspoons and Tablespoons has tremendous strength and is an absolutely incredible release for these two young girls. To think that this is just them starting out, I can’t wait to hear more.