Little May are a band that merits attention for compelling songwriting and serene vocals amid striking arrangements. Their new Indie Rock  “For the Company” – their first full-length studio album – succeeds in demonstrating their many talents.

From Sydney Australia, musicians Liz Drummond, Hannah Field and Annie Hamilton know how to craft great compositions, build on choruses and themes and seem to instinctively have it all figured out.

The new debut opens on the appealing, lilting acoustic notes of “Cicadas,” then explores relationship territory with the serious “Sold.” 

Sample lyrics: “You were the one with the broken heart / In the night, I’m sure I’ll take you back again.” Band members are artful songwriters with a gift for storytelling that draws us in.

With nary a bad track on this release there’s much to appreciate here. “For the Company” burns brightly on the driving, beautifully somber “Home,” and just when you’re thinking things couldn’t get any better, out pops the band with their ghostlike, powerful piano-driven “Oh My My.”

Oh My My

About Little May

Band members Hannah Field and Liz Drummond composed their first song together at age 17, but the band didn’t officially form until early 2012. Based in Australia, Little May’s musical influences include Gang of Youths, Holy Holy, Bruce Springsteen, Thelma Plum and LORDE; band members are also fans of Half Moon Run and Alt-J.

The new album was recently recorded in a converted nineteenth-century church in Hudson, New York.

Little May – along with their band, comprised of Mark Harding on bass and Cat Hunter on drums – has been touring in Australia, the U.K., Europe and in the U.S. to promote the new release.

In October they played a memorable show to a spellbound full house at Portland’s Mississippi Studios.

Little May are: Liz Drummond (main vocals, acoustic guitar), Hannah Field (backing vocals) and Annie Hamilton (backing vocals, electric guitar).

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Little May performed at Portland’s Mississippi Studios last month.

Slowly gaining popularity for their haunting, layered vocals and arresting harmonies, the individual talents of these ace musicians interplay seamlessly – whether on powerfully quiet tracks like “Where Do You Sleep” or hard rockers like “Remind Me.”

Have a listen to their more reflective “Home”:

Home

The mysterious “Sinks” is another standout.

The album closes with 2 artfully remastered tracks from their EP – their intense “Hide” and the etherial “Boardwalks,” which has been on PRP’s turntable this year.

The new release confirms their status as exciting musicians and a band to watch next year; highest recommendations.

You can find Little May’s music on iTunes or on their website.

Cynthia Orlando
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