Search - Tanakh :: Ardent Fevers

Poe's best yet

wm | ...onward....thru the fog! | 08/15/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Tanakh has always had a strange and mysterious psychedelic folky feel to it. Maybe that's to be expected from a musician/band that takes its name from the Old Testament.



The heavy psychedelic thing is probably more true on "Villa Claustrophobia" and "Dieu Deuil" than here, but plenty of that aura lingers throughout "Ardent Fevers". The sound evokes a vision of Poe and his bandmates living in a great big, old house filled with friendly ancient spirits, with creaky wooden floors covered by Persian rugs. One might envision the band interspersing recording sessions that last into the wee hours of morning with just hanging around, and "sailing into the mystic", as it were.



The album was actually recorded at David Lowery's studio downtown Richmond, but that doesn't take away, and maybe even adds to that mythical feel described above.



This is Tanakh's most accessible album yet, followed by "Villa Claustrophobia". Jesse Poe's songwriting here is a little more mellow and not as overtly psychedelic. The first couple of tracks remind a little of Vic Chesnutt circa 'The salesman and Bernadette'. As it progresses, there's a laid back Lou Reed or Dean Wareham vibe going on. Arguably, they go a little overboard with the guitars on a couple of tracks, but all in all a great CD.



So turn the lights down low, light some candles scented with ancient spices, and enjoy."

Reminds me of ..

dkush | IL | 03/09/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The voice reminds me of Steve Kilbey of The Church. That's a good thing."