The Low Anthem: What The Crow Brings (2007)

New Wax


There's been quite a resurgence in folk music as of late and it's encouraging to see it coming from all areas of the country. With What The Crow Brings, Rhode Island natives The Low Anthem combine elements of gospel, country, and folk-rock elegantly. The duo consists of Ben Miller and Jeff Prystowsky, who at the ages of 23 and 22, are in their songwriting infancy. That being said, the pair's youth isn't particularly noticeable considering the nostalgic feel of their songs, which draw from influential songwriters like Tom Waits and Neil Young without being outright impersonations. Vocally, the melodies are soothing and unassuming, providing a fitting soundtrack for a rainy midday drive or a cigarette-and-coffee backporch conversation with friends. While What The Crow Brings may not demand your attention initially, the lyrical content holds up well under careful scrutiny, reading mostly as unpretentious and sincere. The old-timey "A Weary Horse Can Hide The Pain" reads, "Our best laid plans, our patient dreams/ Fell through our hands, between the seams." Other songs such as "Bless Your Tombstone Heart" and the lover's lament of "This God Damn House" extend this feeling of nostalgia. There's even a solid interpretation of the Carter Family's 1928 chart-topper "Keep On The Sunny Side." Instrumentally, the duo relies on acoustic guitar and bluesy slightly-overdriven electric guitar as the backbone for most of the tracks while adding touches of non-conventional instruments as accents. In fact, if you listen closely, you might hear a pump-organ, tube harp, marimba, or even a toy piano. Ultimately, The Low Anthem's brand of folk is melodic and catchy, and multiple listens uncover subtle touches that strengthen an album that was crafted with care. -- Capt. Obvious

Listen:
MP3: The Low Anthem - Bless Your Tombstone Heart

Tags: The Low Anthem, What The Crow Brings