Austinist Album Capsules: mrandmrsmays & Tungsten Coil

Image from CD Baby

Austin outfit mrandmrsmays is primarily comprised of the husband-wife combo of Kate Mays and James Mays but the sporadic collection of ditties found on their self-titled album garnered assistance from a few of our city’s luminaries. The record was produced at The Bubble by Chris “Frenchie” Smith and features contributions from Elliott Frazier (Ringo Deathstarr), among others. Glynn Wedgewood (IV Thieves) is also a part of the line-up now. The CD sleeve contains many pictures of the couple with their adorable little pup Noodle and a few horses, as well as their son Merlin Mays, who surely is now destined to become Austin’s own Spencer Elden. As for the music itself, mrandmrsmays fluctuates between edgy punk ‘n’ roll and laid back electro-lounge. The album also harbors hints of the Madchester movement of decades past while the band adds variety by slowing down the tempo on tracks like “Introduction Hate To Love” and “Together.” The verses in “Lifeline” initiate somewhat like “Numb” by U2 but soon lead into arguably the best moments on the album -- a chorus powered by Kate’s piercing shrieks and accentuated by James’ frantic yowls. Other highlights on the album include “Freak On” and “B-’05.”

Catch mrandmrsmays live in concert tonight at Emo’s Lounge and on Sunday at Red 7!

[mrandmrsmays MySpace]