Mikal Cronin - ‘Mc II’ + Barbadian Gin Punch
Ingredients: 2 ounces genever, 2 ounces coconut water, 1/2 ounce fresh lime juice, 1/2 ounce rich Demerara syrup (2:1), 2 dashes Angostura bitters.
Mixing Instructions: In a tall ice-filled glass combine ingredients and swizzle/stir until glass is chilled.
Notes: Before listening to the sophomore album of California power-crooner Mikal Cronin, my only connection to him was as a shredder in the Ty Segall Band - a musical red herring that left me quite surprised when opening track “Weight” pulsed out beautifully balanced, Beach Boys-esque pop. Of course the “power” part of the equation is still there with fuzzed-out guitar chords and head-banging beats, but unlike his work with Segall there’s a feel good vibe running through each of the ten tracks on Mc II that promises to keep this album on heavy rotation during the summer months…and make you inexplicably happy. Both achingly and wistfully beautiful, pair this album with a sleepy Caribbean cocktail and let Cronin pull you into the sun.