American folk is evolving and The Low Anthem are a case in point.Their first UK release shows quiet restraint and soothes in the face of adversity.
Bluesy, mostly acoustic folk, The Low Anthem deal in textbook Americana. Through last years ‘Oh My God, Charlie Darwin’ album and some stellar instrument swapping live performances, the Rhode Island trio have been tipped to be 2009’s Fleet Foxes.
Undoubtedly The Low Anthem are an American folk act that are capable of crossing into the mainstream but whilst the Fleet Foxes pay homage to The Moody blues, The Low Anthem have more in common with Whiskeytown style alt-country. Indeed, ‘Charlie Darwin’ is the only track that draws musical comparison.
Coinciding with Darwin’s 200th birthday, End of the Road Records has released the song as a limited 7”. One of the groups more ethereal numbers, it is bathed in atmospheric gospel backing vocals. The focal point is Ben Knox Miller’s gentle falsetto which comes across all Simon and Garfunkel as harmonies entwine subtly and organically.
It’s a track that flows naturally, always understated and quiet. And for a song about the survival of the fittest, it’s contemplative in its approach, flexing no muscle. Briefly a harmonica breaks through the airy texture but it serves only to complement the soothing stillness.
The seas might be closing in and life might appear ‘cold and formless,’ but The Low Anthem has a knack for delivering bad news. Despite the track documenting looming disaster they are at once lifting and relaxing, a credit to the much maligned contemporary folk scene.
Rating: 4/5