Philadelphia Weekly

MUSIC > LOCAL MUSIC

I Could Dream All Day

How Quentin Stoltzfus made the perfect Mazarin record.

By Doug Wallen

Add Comment | Comments: 0 | Posted Jul. 20, 2005

"For Energy Infinite" is driving and harmonious, while "At 12 to 6" floats leisurely by. "Louise" recalls both Mazzy Star's "Fade Into You" and Neutral Milk Hotel's "In the Aeroplane Over the Sea."

Even better is "Another One Goes By," on which Stoltzfus sings through a microphone plugged into a guitar amp. It makes his voice gauzy against the song's reverb-drenched retro vibe, which he attributes to the Everly Brothers' influence.

On this album Mazarin was rounded out by McTear, drummer Sean Byrne and bassist Mickey Walker. There are guest spots by the Lilys' Kurt Heasley and members of the Icarus Line, the Walkmen, BC Camplight, Hi-Soft and others. After years of being an admitted control freak, Stoltzfus says he was much more open-minded this time.

As for the album's title, it's a calming reminder to appreciate what we have. "I always try to have that underlying optimism in my music," Stoltzfus says. "Life is a mixture of so many emotions, and I try to blend all of them."

Or fall asleep trying.

�

Mazarin
Tues., July 26, 7pm. Free. AKA Music, 27 N. Second St. 215.922.3855. CD release show: Mon., Aug. 1, 9pm. Call for price. With Mike Wexler, Enon + the Double. Silk City, Fifth and Spring Garden sts. 215.592.8838. www.silkcitylounge.com

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