In April, I was trudging through Daytrotter and discovered a folk quintet out of Reno called Buster Blue. Their songs kept going in directions I didn't expect, just as you wouldn't expect Reno to produce many Americana acts. On 8/23, Buster Blue will release their second full-length, Sleep Less Where the Heart Is. Ironically, it's sleepier than the rest of their discography, a somber, subdued affair. It gets off to a slow start, favoring traditional song structures and instrumentation. Thankfully, the record wakes up on the b-side, the band members making better use of their talents and woodwinds. While there's nothing on it as catchy as "Moonlight" from their previous EP, "Leave Me in C'oeur d'Alene" is the standout here. With its almost orchestral feel and the heartbreakingly vivid image conveyed by the line, "Tell me is this some kind of joke / Or am I holding onto smoke?" the tune could easily be the tearjerking soliloquy in a Broadway musical. The piano-based epilogue "Light in the Attic" evokes a similar mood, although it would be more appropriate as non-diegetic music in a film. While I would've liked to hear more lead vocals from Rachael McElhiney, Buster Blue have still managed to do something that Mumford & Sons haven't: They made a record that doesn't sound exactly like their last one.
Showing posts with label buster blue. Show all posts
Showing posts with label buster blue. Show all posts
Monday, August 5, 2013
Buster Blue Change Up Their Sound for Album #2
Folk music has made an enormous resurgence as an answer to the computerized sheen of today's pop. Clever marketing teams have found ways to sell millions of records again even if every song sounds the same (Mumford & Sons) or reeks of inauthenticity (the Lumineers). So many musicians are picking up their acoustic guitars and giving Americana a try that we've been confronted with an oversaturation of folk music to the point where every new artist I'm looking at comes with a "RIYL: Mumford & Sons, the Lumineers, the Civil Wars." It's the largest folk explosion since the 1960s, and just like the '60s, there's a lot of shit to wade through to find the good stuff. Fortunately, you've got me to put on the muck boots and do the dirty work.
In April, I was trudging through Daytrotter and discovered a folk quintet out of Reno called Buster Blue. Their songs kept going in directions I didn't expect, just as you wouldn't expect Reno to produce many Americana acts. On 8/23, Buster Blue will release their second full-length, Sleep Less Where the Heart Is. Ironically, it's sleepier than the rest of their discography, a somber, subdued affair. It gets off to a slow start, favoring traditional song structures and instrumentation. Thankfully, the record wakes up on the b-side, the band members making better use of their talents and woodwinds. While there's nothing on it as catchy as "Moonlight" from their previous EP, "Leave Me in C'oeur d'Alene" is the standout here. With its almost orchestral feel and the heartbreakingly vivid image conveyed by the line, "Tell me is this some kind of joke / Or am I holding onto smoke?" the tune could easily be the tearjerking soliloquy in a Broadway musical. The piano-based epilogue "Light in the Attic" evokes a similar mood, although it would be more appropriate as non-diegetic music in a film. While I would've liked to hear more lead vocals from Rachael McElhiney, Buster Blue have still managed to do something that Mumford & Sons haven't: They made a record that doesn't sound exactly like their last one.
In April, I was trudging through Daytrotter and discovered a folk quintet out of Reno called Buster Blue. Their songs kept going in directions I didn't expect, just as you wouldn't expect Reno to produce many Americana acts. On 8/23, Buster Blue will release their second full-length, Sleep Less Where the Heart Is. Ironically, it's sleepier than the rest of their discography, a somber, subdued affair. It gets off to a slow start, favoring traditional song structures and instrumentation. Thankfully, the record wakes up on the b-side, the band members making better use of their talents and woodwinds. While there's nothing on it as catchy as "Moonlight" from their previous EP, "Leave Me in C'oeur d'Alene" is the standout here. With its almost orchestral feel and the heartbreakingly vivid image conveyed by the line, "Tell me is this some kind of joke / Or am I holding onto smoke?" the tune could easily be the tearjerking soliloquy in a Broadway musical. The piano-based epilogue "Light in the Attic" evokes a similar mood, although it would be more appropriate as non-diegetic music in a film. While I would've liked to hear more lead vocals from Rachael McElhiney, Buster Blue have still managed to do something that Mumford & Sons haven't: They made a record that doesn't sound exactly like their last one.
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Daytrotter a Day #10: Buster Blue
Daytrotter a Day #10: Buster Blue (Released 04.10.13)
Buster Blue is a five-piece folk outfit from Reno, Nevada. When the ambling guitar starts "What Ifs & Whys," you might roll your eyes and think to yourself, "Great, another folk band." Twenty seconds later, an accordion creeps in to keep you listening. A minute after that, just when you think you've got them all figured out... a clarinet. This isn't your your average Americana-revival band out to ride the trend and make a quick buck. These are real musicians brought up in our country's music education program. "On Your Way" is a ballad accented with barroom piano, and "When the Crows Come 'Round" builds and releases on a path similar to a Decemberists song. The banjo-driven "Moonlighting" is my favorite tune of the four, featuring whistling, gorgeous harmonies, and even a bit of mouth harp. It's the perfect kind of music for the weather we're having today.
James Yuill also released a session today. Sign up to download.
Buster Blue is a five-piece folk outfit from Reno, Nevada. When the ambling guitar starts "What Ifs & Whys," you might roll your eyes and think to yourself, "Great, another folk band." Twenty seconds later, an accordion creeps in to keep you listening. A minute after that, just when you think you've got them all figured out... a clarinet. This isn't your your average Americana-revival band out to ride the trend and make a quick buck. These are real musicians brought up in our country's music education program. "On Your Way" is a ballad accented with barroom piano, and "When the Crows Come 'Round" builds and releases on a path similar to a Decemberists song. The banjo-driven "Moonlighting" is my favorite tune of the four, featuring whistling, gorgeous harmonies, and even a bit of mouth harp. It's the perfect kind of music for the weather we're having today.James Yuill also released a session today. Sign up to download.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)