Joel Cusumano – “Mary Katharine”

An unexpectedly straightforward love song from Joel Cusumano (Sob Stories, Body Double) today, pushing aside breakups and cold crushes for the kind of spark that can only exist inside the everyday infatuation of a relationship. With nods to classic indie pop and new wave shivers, the song slips past Felt’s keys and Close Lobsters’ guitars for a sunny slice of harmony-laden pop that swells the heart two sizes every time it comes on the speakers. Cusumano’s new album deals with the complicated reset following his struggles with OCD, and “Mary Katharine” is one of the most openly at peace moments on the new album. The record features quite a few familiar names alongside Joel’s, including Rob Good (Ryli), Yea-Ming Chen (Yea-Ming & the Rumors, Ryli) Ray Seraphin (R.E. Seraphin), Phillip Lantz (Neutrals, Chime School, Telephone Numbers), Matt Bullimore (The Mantles, Legs), and more!

Joel expands on what the song means to him, noting, “Mary Katharine” is an unambiguous love song, a rarity for me. I tend to write more breakup songs, or maybe unrequited love or “messy” love songs. With “Mary Katharine” both musically and lyrically I tried to make palpable the ecstatic, inexpressible elation I felt about my ex. She and I had a traumatic split—she disappeared from my life really shockingly just as I was preparing to record this album—so frankly it was difficult living with the emotions of this song during recording. I guess that’s one of the holes I dig for myself writing love songs. It’s still tough to listen to “Mary Katharine” at times, and I have to shut off my brain to its content and engage it at an aesthetic distance. But it also reminds me that there was something tender between her and me, something precious worth safekeeping, even if it meant enduring a crushing hardship.” The video, based on a 100-year-old Estonian board game called Puppet King, was directed by my friend Elyse Schrock. The new record, Waxworld, is out October 24th from Dandy Boy Records.

Support the artist. Buy it HERE.