The London trio mary in the junkyard (lower case on purpose) are getting a little buzz of late. And while the music of the threesome may be seen as a little precious by the more cynical, there's no denying that there's something here worth getting modestly excited about. Role Model Hermit deserves a closer listen is what this reviewer is saying.
The near-whispered vocals of Clari Freeman-Taylor are joined by bass Saya Barbaglia and drums from David Addison. Each member plays a few instruments, and each member adds something that makes this a little bit more interesting than lots of contempoary indie. "Seek and Destroy" works up a little energy, earning comparisons to both early stuff from The Sugarcubes as well as Kim Deal-fronted Pixies tunes. It's a little affected, but at least it's distinctive enough to surprise even the most jaded of indie fans. Elsewhere, "New Muscles" adds a rhythmic hook under Taylor's cooed vocals which seems lifted from an old Slits side. It's not on the same level, of course, but these London upstarts are at least crafting something here which is both beautiful and a little odd (at least so when held up to lots of what else we hear these days that's pitched as indie rock). There's even a bit in the twang of "Myrtle" which made me think a little of Yank legends Helium circa The Magic City.
So much of Role Model Hermit seems like the tunes of an outfit still finding its way. There's a solid, distinct sound here but this is the sort of record where the pleasures are teasers for even better stuff that may come later. I'd be eager to hear more from mary in the junkyard later, but what's here in 2026 is compellling enough to make this one recommended for adventurous listeners looking for something a little outside the conventional. That the tunes here are still sort of catchy in a skewed way is another plus. And the sweet vocals of Clari Freeman-Taylor make even the slightest composition here at least quite lovely.
[Photo: Daisy and Tomos Ayscough]