Molly Lewis has created a sound that encapsulates the essence of Café Molly in her debut album, On The Lips. With a dreamy tribute to classic mood music, the listener is transported to classic Hollywood jazz clubs, Italian cinema soundtracks, and lingering embraces between lovers. After the exotica stylings of The Forgotten Edge EP and the tropicalia-indebted Mirage EP, Lewis wanted to bring a new sound to this album that resembles lounge bars.
Recorded with Thomas Brenneck of the Menahan Street Band at his newly-built Diamond West Studios in Pasadena, the album saw a stream of acclaimed musicians contributing to its 10 tracks. They include Latin Grammy-nominated Brazilian guitarist Rogê, Nick Hakim, Chester Hansen of Canadian instrumental group Badbadnotgood, Leland Whitty, Chicano soul group Thee Sacred Souls, experimental jazz pianist Marco Benevento, and El Michels Affair’s Leon Michels.
Lewis combines her intoxicating compositions with a wry brand of stagecraft to create a unique sound that sets her apart from her peers. She looks set to join her heroes in the storied lore of the Los Angeles lounge scene and beyond. The LP+ candlelight gold vinyl comes with an invitation to Café Molly. So pull up a chair, order your favourite drink, and prepare to fall in love with On The Lips.
Lewis recently spoke to Rough Trade at their NYC store for their newest session of Shoplifting, where she shared the recorded material that has inspired and shaped her sound today. Lewis’s favorite album, ABBA Gold, brings her comfort as it reminds her of growing up and singing along in the car with her mother and sister. Her dream collaboration is to work with ABBA.
Another album that caught her attention was Yomo Toro y su Conjunto by Jose Antonio Salaman. She also mentioned Chet Baker’s Chet Baker Sings, which creates an ideal, beautiful, atmospheric home-listening. Pour a glass of wine and put on the record for a perfect night in.
Lewis’ new sound has sparked something within her that may have been missing in today’s music scene. Her tribute to classic mood music, and admiration of artists like Chet Baker, shows lewis is returning to a nostalgic era of music we can all appreciate
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