Some might say that Californian childhood buddies Adam Stephens and Tyson Vogel and the alt-folk equivalent of The White Stripes singer / guitarist and drummer.Not that Vogel drums quite Meg White of course. If they donned pearly king and queen garb they might get noticed.Instead, on their eponymously titled third album theyre left to unleash a dazzling assortment of fused genres folk, punk and blues.
Their unique mix begins with a edgey rolling lament, which is typical of their accesible Americana. The intro, a guitar opens gently, gradually building on a funky bass and stylish shifting drums by Vogel. Stephens sings in an almost childlike manner, though it all blends perfectly as the song rises and drops beautifully to its aching end. A thumping bass intro precursors a rugged, sharp and undulating folk-rock blast of Miss Meri with Stephenss vocals reaching their most angst-ridden best.Yet another gentle start for for the Springsteen-Dylan like sparsness of The Hand..complete with rasor sharp harmonica. It then follows a similar undulating path.
They hit a major high on the two standout tracks Trembling Of The Rose and Ribbons Round My Tongue. On the former, Stephens tempers his jagged edge style for a more disciplined approach on one of the most melancholic gems of 2007. Its simple stuff tender acoustic guitar, and violin touching every heart string available. On latter, the harmonicas back for the carvernous sound of Ribbons Round My Tongue, thereafter, its gentle electric strumming, and yes, Stephens over-stretched voice going into overdrive magnificent. The Boss would be proud of this one. The pace quickens for Despite What Youve Been Told. Guitar and thumping stick blasts, bringing out their more rockier edge, without losing their discipline. Its tight, but loose enough to make an impact as it goes into the finale. Touching on Devendra Banharts territory, the sparsest song here Fly Low Carrion Crow juxtaposes fabulously with its predecessor. The simple instrumentation and vocals add real atmosphere. Rocking out, with a near Zeppelin / White Stripes intensity, we get rolling drums and crunching guitars, but yet, again, Stephens doesnt go too far.
Must have album.