Role Model Hermit
3 minute readPublished: Tuesday, July 7, 2026 at 4:02 am
Indie Band Finds Unexpected Home with Performance Art Icon
A London-based indie band, mary in the junkyard, has embarked on a remarkable journey that led them from busking in New York City to living with one of the world's most renowned performance artists, Marina Abramović. The trio, comprised of singer Clari Freeman-Taylor, bassist Saya Barbaglia, and drummer David Addison, arrived in New York with little more than their music and a willingness to perform.
Their raw, semi-acoustic sound, drawing comparisons to the earnestness of Big Thief and the expansive scope of early Arcade Fire, caught the attention of a film producer named Todd Eckert. After a performance at the Bowery Ballroom, Eckert offered the band a place to stay in his shared flat, which he occupied with his partner, Marina Abramović. This unexpected arrangement placed the young musicians in the orbit of the celebrated performance artist, whom Barbaglia affectionately refers to as "our mother."
The band's debut full-length album, "Role Model Hermit," reflects this unique living situation and artistic mentorship. Critics note an experimental edge in their music, yet it remains accessible, akin to shapes a commuter might quickly grasp. The album features percussive elements described as falling like heavy raindrops, hushed choruses, and cello lines reminiscent of earlier indie folk trends. However, the band injects a contemporary, almost ominous undercurrent into their sound, creating a feeling that is both intimate and grand, suitable for both concert halls and dorm rooms.
Despite initial impressions of twee sentimentality, a quality acknowledged by some listeners, the band's meticulous attention to their craft imbues their songs with significant emotional depth. Tracks like "Seek and Destroy" showcase distorted fingerpicking and Freeman-Taylor's introspective lyrics, which explore themes of frustrated ambition and the struggle to remain present. The music often incorporates unexpected elements, such as a death metal growl juxtaposed with Freeman-Taylor's delicate vocals, highlighting the band's willingness to push boundaries.
The symbiotic relationship between the band members is evident in their music. Freeman-Taylor's distinctive, fragile voice is complemented by Addison's dynamic drumming and Barbaglia's instrumental contributions. Their vocal delivery often moves in unison, creating a sense of shared effort, as heard in songs like "New Muscles" and "Welcome Break," where instrumental arrangements provide a rich backdrop for Freeman-Taylor's evocative storytelling.
BNN's Perspective: The trajectory of mary in the junkyard offers a compelling narrative of artistic serendipity and the power of unconventional mentorship. Their ability to blend raw emotion with sophisticated musicality, while navigating the unique environment fostered by Marina Abramović, suggests a promising future for this emerging band. Their sound, while rooted in indie traditions, possesses a forward-looking quality that warrants attention.
Tags: mary in the junkyard, Role Model Hermit, Clari Freeman-Taylor, Saya Barbaglia, David Addison, Marina Abramović, Todd Eckert, Bowery Ballroom, indie rock, performance art, experimental music, debut album, New York City, London