Kick it for the Low Times by Mazeppa
‘Kick it for the low times’ is unmistakable evidence that mazeppa deserve to go places.
Exactly how far can be measured not only in the miles they’re clocking up playing acclaimed gigs around the country, but also in the eight monumental tracks on their debut album.
Taking their moniker from a Ukrainian folk hero immortalised by Byron and Tchaikovsky among others, mazeppa signal their ambition from the outset.
The journey from opener introit to closing track facing the sun is so intense and downright epic that it’s almost impossible to believe the album comes in at just over half an hour long.
A string section moonlighting from various orchestras and lush production by James Singleton augment mazeppa’s trademark soaring piano-led songs.
The strings are put to compelling effect on introit, the emotionally charged on the run and the sublime blindfolds removed.
Elsewhere mazeppa show their heavier side, most notably on the verses of killing time which segue into a swinging chorus which has no right to work.
And they prove they can do poppier too on the irresistible one last look and been a long time. Come along for the ride.
‘Kick it for the low times’ is out on Cityscape Records, an independent label with a do-it-yourself ethic and a growing reputation for quality.