If You're Happy And You Know It …

posted in: Artist Features

The Mowgli's

Barking dogs, idle chit-chat, jubilant whoops”the background noise of The Mowgli’s is almost as interesting as what’s going on in front of the mic. The California band’s relaxed approach to recording creates the effect of a soundtrack to a boisterous campfire sing-a-long. Five vocalists make for a rag-tag choir where improvisation is always welcome. Take, for instance, Waiting For The Dawn/Blues”an unruly and earnest folk-blues revival. Let’s change the world! the choir shouts. With one vocalist, the line might sound cheesy. But when everyone sings it, you’re more inclined to roll with it. The Great Divide is simpler, sweeter terrain. As a composition, it’s stripped back, but the choir helps fill the void with feral, joyful singing. Think of The Mowgli’s as a laid-back Fleetwood Mac, high on life. In San Francisco, a loose and shambling folk rock song, the choir sings, Do you feel the love? We do. Now it’s your turn.