Loch Lomond

You Should Know



With so much incredible music around just awaiting to be uncovered, it's quite easy to miss out on something special.  Listening to the latest album from Portland's Loch Lomond, which was released last October and is entitled Paper The Walls, I'm perplexed as to why I haven't heard it sooner.  The band is headed by a wonderful vocalist in Ritchie Young, and his large backing ensemble, which varies in size from 6 to 9 members, includes members of Norfolk and Western, Horse Feathers, and Dolorean (all bands I highly recommend).  Vocally, you may hear a similarity to Colin Meloy, but Young's voice stands on its own merit with its uncommon range and variation.  Recorded at the famed Type Foundry (M. Ward, The Decemberists), Paper The Walls is chalk-full of songs that seem deceptively simple, but if you're listening closely enough you'll notice how texturally rich the music is.  With subtle touches of violin, mandolin, piano, cello, viola,  and other less typical instruments, Loch Lomond offers a folksy soundscape that is nuanced and delicate.  Wonderful instrumentation and haunting harmonies really make the album a standout in its genre.  Oh, how Portland oozes coolness.  -- Capt. Obvious

Listen:
MP3: Loch Lomond - Carl Sagan
MP3: Loch Lomond - Stripe II

Tags: Loch Lomond, Paper The Walls, Captain Obvious