by oz on October 12, 2009
Port O’Brien have been one of my top five favorite bands for the past three years. Each album they release far exceeds my expectations and slowly becomes an addiction. I’ve seen them in San Francisco, Austin and once in Boston where I had the opportunity to chat with lead singer Van Pierszalowski over a pint. He gives great hugs. I digress. The band’s latest album, Threadbare, recently elbowed its way near the top of my list of best albums of 2009.
The nucleus of the band are Van Pierszalowski and Cambria Goodwin and, while past albums have drawn their influence from Van’s commercial fishing exploits off the coast of Alaska, Threadbare is a different sort of expedition. The music is more focused, which I assume is the result of more time on land, on tour and in recording studios. The lyrics are more serious and at times very sad. The passing of Cambria’s brother just before recording the album may have had something to do with that.
I’m sure that tragic loss burned the fuel that became Threadbare. Cambria’s desolate voice shines on “High Without Hope 3,” the title track, “Next Season” and “(((Darkness Visible))).” Van is even despondent on tracks like “Calm Me Down,” but more frequently he balances the album with uptempo songs like “My Will Is Good,” “Leap Year” and “Love Me Through.” I haven’t even mentioned two of the best tracks, “Oslo Campfire,” “Sour Milk/Salt Water” and a song from previous albums called “Tree Bones” that has a Meat Puppets “Lake of Fire” vibe. That last part may just be in my head.
If an album is very good, I procrastinate writing about it. I’m painfully aware that I’m not a professional writer, so putting pen to paper over an album I love is daunting. For the great albums, I know I’ll never do them justice so I put them off for days or weeks. I’ve had Threadbare for about five months. I’m just now writing about it.
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Port O’Brien – My Will Is Good
Port O’Brien – Sour Milk/Sour Water
by oz on August 11, 2009
Port O’Brien just premiered another new track (via Stereogum) called “My Will Is Good.” The album entitled Threadbare will be released on October 6th.
What strikes me about this album, in addition to Cambria Goodwin taking on more vocal duties, is the change in Van Pierszalowski’s vocals on most tracks. His delivery is less forced and more confident. More to come on the album later.
Port O’Brien – My Will Is Good
More about Threadbare:
As 2009 began, the band started to prepare songs for what was to become threadbare. What started as a light-hearted and loose effort quickly turned into a dense, introspective work following the tragic loss of Cambria’s younger brother. They started recording at their friend Jason Quever of Papercuts’ living room studio in San Francisco. The songs were given a certain warmth and intimacy that couldn’t be achieved in a larger space. The sense of comfort they found gave them the ability to fully realize the weight of the songs. “In the Meantime” explores the desire for contentment in tumultuous times. “High Without the Hope” bookends the album, illuminating the emotion and sense of loss that was felt throughout the recording process.
by oz on August 7, 2009
Port O’Brien is releasing a new album called Threadbare on October 6 via TBD records. I’ve been wanting to write up a proper review, but fellow HearYan, Woody, tells me it’s too early. I’ll time a proper writeup closer to the release date, but let’s just say I absolutely love this record.
We got early approval to post the first single. It’s probably 4th or 5th on my list of favorite tracks from Threadbare. That’s how good the album is.
Port O’Brien – Sour Milk/Salt Water
by oz on April 3, 2009
White Rabbits have a new album called It’s Frightening coming out on May 19th via TBD Records (home of Radiohead and Other Lives). It was produced by Britt Daniel (Spoon), recorded by Nicholas Vernhes (Animal Collective, Deerhunter) and mixed by Mike McCarthy (Spoon, Trail of Dead).
But no one likes a name dropper, so here’s their first track released:
White Rabbits – Percussion Gun
If you don’t own it already, you should check out their debut release Fort Nightly.
