Michael Cormier announces debut solo LP Make Believe It’s Nothing, streams two singles

We first met Michael Cormier as the drummer in Friendship, a trio of Mainers that officially rooted down in Philadelphia about two years ago. They won over our hearts with pensive songwriting and aching, soulful arrangements, anchored by Cormier’s expert percussion at live gigs and on their 2015 highlight You’re Going to Have to Trust Me. Now Cormier will step out from behind the kit, announcing his own debut solo LP Make Believe It’s Nothing and sharing a pair of lead singles.

Featuring Michael on all instruments and ethereal backing vocals from Paloma Gil and Lou Hayat of The Dove & The Wolf, “What You Want vs. What You Say You Want” and “Demolition Derby” are understated, breezy, and filled with unexpected hooks to latch on to.

On the former, melancholy keys usher in a pitter-patter of guitar and percussion, building a delicate web of sounds that accompany congratulatory lyrics that acknowledge apparent life achievements but still search for something deeper. The latter has a quirkier, more upbeat vibe, with Cormier speak-singing a story of a car race gone wrong as Paloma and Lou come in like a Greek chorus from the side.

Stream the two singles below and pre-order Make Believe It’s Nothing over on Hickory Lane Records ahead of its June 24th release day.