Emmett Mulrooney - “Come Over”

SXSW 2022 - OEB Score: 7; Popularity Index: 5

Pairs Well With…Toro Y Moi, Vampire Weekend, Mac DeMarco

Milwaukee’s Emmett Mulrooney released his sophomore EP last year and Sell My Strings finds him digging into chillwave atmosphere while still playing around power-pop and R&B melodies. It’s a breezy, groovy sound, one Mulrooney handles cooly and playfully whether in indie rock (“Fool”), psychedelic pop (“Sell My Strings”), or hip hop (“Come Over”) forms. It’s a sound that is a little fun and a little introverted, mixing organic and electronic instrumentation as well. While this could turn into pure experimentation in another’s hands, Mulrooney instead anchors his music in tight songwriting, vulnerable even in the brighter moments that see-saw with tender balladry across Sell My Strings. Emmett Mulrooney opens up Field Booking & Local Universe’s showcase at Lambert’s Saturday night. (Kevin McStravick)