A couple of days ago we received a copy of Margo Margo – the debut solo album from Armand Margjeka. It is a rich, mellifluous album, a record that makes you want to drift idly downstream in a boat while it plays in the background. It moves from softly plucked acoustics to upbeat, catchy folk-pop with a quiet, calm confidence and while not easy listening, it is easy to listen to. We’re enjoying it thoroughly.

In fact, Margo Margo has all the touchstones of an Americana album, but all of Margjeka’s songs have his own unique feel. He grew up in Tropoja, an Albanian town at the foot of the Alps. “Tropoja was one of the most isolated villages in an isolated country,” Margjeka says. The communist regime he grew up with was oppressive, but somehow a mix tape of American rock n’ roll found its way into Margjeka’s hands. “Maybe my sister brought it back from university, I don’t remember, but hearing Elvis, Fats Domino, Jerry Lee Lewis and Little Richard changed my life.” It’s been a long journey from Tropoja to Birmingham, Alabama for Margjeka, but he’s clearly at home making music that brings to mind Sondre Lerche and the beautiful arrangements of Iron and Wine.

We have a couple of tracks to sample. Grab them below and dream of being carried downstream.

Margo Margo is released in August.

Download Armand Margjeka – Alive mp3 (from Margo Margo)

Download Armand Margjeka – Momma mp3 (from Margo Margo)