The Low Anthem’s Oh My God, Charlie Darwin is one of the finest albums of 2009. It’s not one that immediately took me over, but for the past few months I’ve spent countless hours pouring over each song, interpreting lyrics, reading band bios and searching YouTube for videos. It’s safe to say that The Low Anthem is an obsession.
The first track, “Charlie Darwin,” showcases Ben Miller’s lyrical prowess and vocal range while Jeff Prystowsky and Jocie Adams help bring the haunting song to life. Its vocals and slow tempo might not be for everyone, but just sit tight while this Providence RI band, consisting of a poet folk musician, a jazz bassist and a classical composer, take you on a journey into the rootsy heart of Americana.
Ben’s vocals trade off between clean and pristine (Charlie Darwin and Cage The Songbird), gravelly Tom Waits-like growl (The Horizon Is A Beltway and Home I’ll Never Be), soft whisper speech (Ticket Taker) and down home sincerity (To Ohio and To The Ghosts Who Write History Books). This vocal variety is matched by varied instrumentation, including acoustic guitar, pump organ, upright bass, E flat horn, rack harp and crotales. The final work is an old-timey feel to progressive folk-rock music.
We had the pleasure of having The Low Anthem in the studio for a live session over Lollapalooza weekend. Seeing the songs performed up close and personal gave me a whole new appreciation for Oh My God, Charlie Darwin and their ‘07 release What The Crow Brings. They just announced fall tour dates with Blind Pilot once they get back from their European tour. Be sure to catch The Low Anthem if they run through your town and stay tuned for our upcoming session in a few weeks.
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The Low Anthem – Charlie Darwin
The Low Anthem – Home I’ll Never Be (Live @ Monkey House, Winooski VT)
The Low Anthem – Ticket Taker (Live @ Monkey House, Winooski VT)
Video: The Low Anthem – Home I’ll Never Be (via Paste Magazine)
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
i got to the show too late to see their set opening for ray lamontagne a little while ago, but i’ve been hooked on their music since i realized what i missed.
Great review of the album – I fell in love immediately but the album does take time to full sink in, and you pick up more with each listen. Amazing songwriters and great live – really exciting to find a band that’s truly the real deal
Don’t know what else I could add to your review other that this a stunner of an album. Go buy What The Crow Brings as well. That ain’t half bad as well.
Can’t wait to hear the HearYa live session. Hate to say it, but whoever produced that Paste session couldn’t even carry Shirk’s jockstrap.
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