The voices of Emily Frantz and Andrew Marlin, the two members of North Carolina acoustic duo Mandolin Orange, are a study in contrasts. Frantz’s vocals are lilting, floating above the instrumentation, whereas Marlin’s are understated. Contemplative and pretty can only get you so far on best end lists, but Mandolin Orange have molded poignant lyrics and awe-strucking melodies rekindling the finest of Gillian Welch and Neko Case. Themes of loss, love and mortality are usually the driving points of thought provoking folk, but this North Carolina duo creates a uniquely elegant sparse acoustic meal.
The Fat Angel Sings 