An experimental cross-border collaboration between Toronto songwriter Anna Mērnieks-Duffield and New York musician Kevin S. McMahon, alongside musician and filmmaker Daniel Liss, The Cross Sea is a project based on an exploration of instincts over expectation. They’ve just released their debut self-titled album, showcasing a wealth of musical talent spanning multiple genres and styles.
“The songs represent my different eras and styles of writing – it’s a collection of songs sort of like what you might find in piles of junk while doing a death cleaning,” says Anna Mērnieks-Duffield. “A box of old letters, a string of pearls, a poisonous spider, a secret journal. The oldest song was written over a decade ago and the newest was written the night of the first recording session at Marcata. The old and new are roughly split down the middle, with the pivot point being Just Like Adrianne.”
The album kicks off with “The Me That Waits,” a pared-down, moody opener with lovely vocals as its focal point. The song feels cinematic, like an emotional saga, with a sound that brings to mind Tori Amos and Kate Bush. About a minute and a half in, it grows heavier and grittier, building the intensity and taking listeners on a journey that leaves them ready to dial in to the rest of the album.
From there, “Just Like Adrianne” opens with a bright vibe, featuring impeccable layers and textures and, once again, a standout vocal performance. “There’s No Way Out” is more piano-forward, beautiful in its simplicity, with lyrical depth shining through. If you’re a fan of lighter vocals juxtaposed against gritty, reverb-filled guitar tones, “Alien (Hold Onto What You Love)” will be right up your alley. And when the louder, heavier sounds come crashing in? Perfection.
“So It Goes” leans in a folkier direction, with flawless fingerpicking that sets the tone and mood. But don’t get too comfortable with that style, because The Cross Sea veers in an entirely different direction next. “We Won’t Be Alone” is a grittier, fuzzier, shoegaze-leaning track with a ’90s alternative vibe that matches its moody, raw tones.
As the album winds down, we have the bright yet mellow sound of “Eye of the Doe,” followed by an indie folk–meets–alt-country gem called “The Midwest.” It’s a toe-tapping masterpiece and a perfect way to close out this genre-shifting album.
Overall, The Cross Sea has delivered a collection of songs that are each unique and gorgeous; an inspired mix of sounds and styles. The self-titled album is vocal-forward, emotionally laid bare, and a testament to the magic of musical collaboration. The Cross Sea can take on any genre and make it their own, and they’ve done so masterfully across these eight songs.
Stream The Cross Sea’s self-titled album on your preferred platform:
Spotify / Bandcamp / Apple Music
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