CD Review: Emotionalism

Wednesday, November 07, 2007

By Aaron Davis

‘Emotionalism’
The Avett Brothers
Ramseur Records

The Avett Brothers could well be the most important band in progressive folk music right now. Hailing from the hills of Concord, N.C., they’re still largely unknown, but they are quickly earning notice from the mainstream. Call what they do alt-folk, folk-rock with a punk edge, pop, gospel, alt-country – whatever you want to call it, it’s American music.
Though the members hover around the age of 30, “Emotionalism” is the band’s eighth release since 2002.

There’s so much going on in this music, but it all starts with honest songwriting. Some songs remind me of the Beatles’ early work, rich in harmony, songs full of emotion you can’t help but feel it yourself, and a number of lyrics about everyone’s favorite subject, love.

Seth Avett plays acoustic guitar and hi-hat simultaneously. His brother, Scott, handles the banjo, harmonica and kick drum. And upright bassist Bob Crawford holds down the low end. Scott and Seth often trade melody and harmony within the same song, and three-part harmonies are another trademark. It’s hard to imagine how they work it all in during the live show – you may want to check them out on YouTube to grasp it – but they do. Simply put, these boys can sing.

“Die Die Die” kicks of the album with that Beatles feel – and a great line: “Nobody knows what lies behind, the days before the day we die.” Performed by the Avetts in May on Late Night with Conan O’ Brien, “Paranoia in B Flat Major” is one of the disc’s finest withsome gravelly punk screams from Scott that are somehow beautiful in context.

The song I can’t get out of my head, though, is “The Weight of Lies.” The lyrics alone are genius. The chorus deserves a read:

The Weight of Lies will bring you down and follow you to every town Because nothing happens here that doesn’t happen there

So when you run make sure you run to something and not away from
Because lies don’t need an aeroplane to chase you down.

“Emotionalism” has a sensitive, unconscious lyrical palette, showing these three can do more than jump up and down and play rock music on acoustic instruments. The most important fusion in their equation for “Emotionalism” is pop-driven melodies – they’re instilled the first time you hear the hook. It’s a not a perfect album, but where the Avetts are headed is a place I’ll willingly follow.

Courtesy
Album cover

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CD Review: Emotionalism | Planet JH News Article: General Music Arts and Culture

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