“The Hour”, LA-based duo Mirrorball’s newest release, is vintage dream-pop in the best tradition of groups like Mazzy Star and Cowboy Junkies. Mirrorball, featuring singer-songwriter Alexandra Johnstone and multi-instrumentalist/composer Scott Watson, has been releasing music since their debut single in 2019 and has even worked with producer Chris Coady (Beach House, Yeah Yeah Yeahs) on their superb first EP. They are a group to keep an eye on, with “The Hour” showcasing their talents as songwriters and performers.
With shimmering guitars and Johnstone’s ethereal voice, “The Hour” divines images of candlelit moments as the hour approaches midnight or, perhaps, a nighttime walk through the woods. This is mood music for magical, mysterious times. The gently delivered lyrics tell melancholy stories throughout the verses, always returning to a lullaby-like chorus, with layers of guitar and backing vocals subtly growing richer and more dream-like, until the song comes to a neat end. It might be a familiar sound, but it is performed with such sincerity that one can’t help but be charmed. This is a song that wants to be your new best friend, and you better believe they’re bringing the ouija board.
If you enjoy “The Hour,” you can find links to streaming services and tour dates on their website, mirrorballband.com, or follow their active Instagram account. You can also find their back catalog and support the band on Bandcamp.
Written by Dylan Steele
