Shovels & Rope (from the album, Something Is Working Up Above My Head

Shovels & Rope (from the album, Something Is Working Up Above My Head

Shovels & Rope (from the album, Something Is Working Up Above My Head available on Dualtone Records) (by Lee Zimmerman)
 
Cary Ann Hearst and Michael Trent, otherwise known as Shovels & Rope, are the epitome of a dynamic duo, and with their new album Something Is Working Up Above My Head, they take that definition to a higher plateau. While previous efforts may have suggested a certain stereotype — that of a charismatic couple that leans towards some careful constraints — here they allow themselves to take some unexpected turns, veering towards a more insistent sound fueled by drive and determination. The steady thrust that powers songs such as “Something Is Working” and “Colorado River”, the sonic sweep given “I’d Be Lying”, and the stomp and sizzle underpinning “Two Wolves” allow the pair to toss aside any semblance of a reticent persona, substituting instead their insurgent stance.
 
That said, there are certain exceptions. The reverential “Dass Hymn” takes on a spiritual sensibility, while “Colorado River” is shared in the form of a nuanced narrative possessing dark drama and s tenuous tone. The album’s only real ballad comes in the form of “Love Song from A Dog,” featuring Gregory Alan Isakov as its backing vocalist. Otherwise, with the exception of the so-called ‘family choir’ on the aforementioned “Das Hymn,” Hearst and Trent perform the music all themselves, affecting a riveting and resolute delivery that could conceivably be translated into their live performances.
 
While the sound often shifts into high gear, the overriding element here is basic simplicity. The melodies come straight to the point, putting the emphasis on frenzy rather than flourish. In that respect, Something Is Working Up Above My Head appears to stay true to its title, finding inspiration in the energy and intensity that accompanies their DIY approach. The end result makes that suggestion all too obvious. (by Lee Zimmerman)
 
Listen and buy the music of Shovels & Rope from AMAZON
For more information, please visit the Shovels & Rope website