Search - Avett Brothers :: Second Gleam (Dig)

+1/2 - Low-key, stripped-down acoustic country-folk

hyperbolium | Earth, USA | 08/22/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"As the Avett Brothers pack their bags for the big time of American Recordings and Rick Rubin, they've left this six-song EP as a capstone to their five years on the indie Ramseur label. Unlike the fuller, rock-inflected country-folk productions of last year's "Emotionalism," their latest is pared back to just the brothers, their guitars and a banjo. Bassist Bob Crawford is absent, the vocals are mostly solo and the lyrics are pushed up front, with instruments providing a setting rather than active elements of the songs. The result is more like a songwriter's circle than a studio recording, leaning more heavily on the tunes than the performances. The six songs (clocking in at just under 21 minutes) are thoughtful, direct and personal, covering themes of growing up and letting go, romantic desire, brotherly considerations of family, and some philosophical wonderings. The brothers finger-picking is particularly fetching on "Bella Donna," a song of innocent teenage longing that winningly brings to mind Alex Chilton's "Thirteen." The Avett's capture a frankness, in their writing, singing, playing and production that's startling in its quiet power. 4-1/2 stars, if allowed fractional ratings. [©2008 hyperbolium dot com]"

The Gleam can burn

W. Eric Grossman | 07/24/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Avett Brothers opened a recent show in Bristol, TN with "Murder in the City." Scott Avett stood alone on stage with his guitar. The simple tune and plain lyrics proceeded to sear straight through me.



These guys play from the heart. You might expect such great musicians to add layers of technical complexity to their productions with successive albums. Not the Avett Brothers. They just continue to peel down the extras until all that is left is what you feel listening to them.



If these songs don't get to you, you haven't listened to them."

The Gleam P2

S. Finefrock | Raleigh, NC | 08/11/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"As a rule I avoid sequels. I can name only a handful of movies, books or albums that have succeeded artistically as a "sequel". While THE GLEAM PTII, does not rate as high in my opinion as the original, it's still a pretty strong piece of work. The concepts of both albums are the same, Scott and Seth Avett, minus bassist Bob Crawford facing off solo with spare, acoustic ballads. The original GLEAM gets the nod mostly due to IF IT'S THE BEACHES; perhaps the Avett's shining moment on record. Still, PART II does deliver some first class material, especially the opener TEAR DOWN THE HOUSE.



The quiet tunes featured on both GLEAM sets are a far cry from the raucous intensity of the Avett's live shows, but these guys are such great songwriters that it's still some essential listening. It will be interesting to see where they go on their next album that will be produced by fellow bearded Svengali, Rick Rubin. In the meantime it will be fine with me to enjoy these amazing, honest, heartfelt performances.

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