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The Avett Brothers "The Second Gleam" (Ramseur)
As the Avett Brothers pack their bags for the big time of American
Recordings and Rick Rubin, they've left this six-song EP as a capstone
to their five years on the indie Ramseur label. Unlike the fuller,
rock-inflected country-folk productions of last year's "Emotionalism,"
their latest is pared back to just the brothers, their guitars and a
banjo. Bassist Bob Crawford is absent, the vocals are mostly solo and
the lyrics are pushed up front, with instruments providing a setting
rather than active elements of the songs. The result is more like a
songwriter's circle than a studio recording, leaning more heavily on
the tunes than the performances. The six songs (clocking in at just
under 21 minutes) are thoughtful, direct and personal, covering themes
of growing up and letting go, romantic desire, brotherly
considerations of family, and some philosophical wonderings. The
brothers finger-picking is particularly fetching on "Bella Donna," a
song of innocent teenage longing that winningly brings to mind Alex
Chilton's "Thirteen." The Avett's capture a frankness, in their
writing, singing, playing and production that's startling in its quiet
power. [(c)2008 redtunictroll at hotmail dot com] |
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