Starting off with what seems a raw demo, the rawness actually sets the tone for the album.
Both Roky & Okkervil are residents of Austin, Texas and these kindred sprits found themselves playing together at an Austin awards show in 2008 and the story goes on from there.
Whilst they are no 13th Floor Elevators (which we wouldn’t expect) Goodbye Sweet Dreams is the first sonic blast from Okkervil River on the album. On the other hand, ‘Be and Bring me Home’ is heartfelt storytelling with wonderful guitar, horns and strings. ‘John Lawman’ actually does seem as if Okkervil are the13th Floor Elevators thrusting out of your speakers, par excellence!
The Album is a superb achievement giving us psychedelic rocking soundscapes along with Americana at it’s finest. Roky’s voice is equally at home with whatever he is singing and the musicianship is superb throughout.
This current burst of activity along with last year’s Roky shows at Green Man and in London are reminiscent of the rebirth of Steve Earle many, many years ago. Long may it continue for Mr Erickson!
9/11
Pete
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