The Avett Brothers (from the album The Avett Brothers

The Avett Brothers (from the album The Avett Brothers

The Avett Brothers (from the album The Avett Brothers on Ramsuer Records/American Recordings/Thirty Tigers) (by Lee Zimmerman)
 
The Avett Brothers new self-titled album, their first in four years, offers a change of pace and, to a degree, a change in perspective as well. With producer Rick Rubin once again at the helm, the band veers away slightly from the forlorn feelings and subtle sensitivity that defined them early on, adding some unlikely elements to flush out their more subdued sentiments. While the album begins with muted circumstance ala a vocal prelude and the soothing sounds of “Never Apart”. That elegiac overture is quickly overshadowed by the track that follows, “Love of a Girl”, an abrupt indication that The Avett’s are venturing into more adventurous terrain.
 
The jaunty, jubilant and well defining “Country Kid” adds a further spark to the mix, and while the theme remains true to the band’s early rural environs, the downhome approach seems somewhat out of sync with the band’s more distinctive designs. The robust Rocker that follows, “Orion’s Belt”, ratchets up the energy output even more, giving the group a potential showstopper as far as future concerts are concerned.
 
Happily, for those that want to hear more of The Avett’s signature style, the album ends with a series of sweet serenades that revisit the tender tones and earnest emotion that gave the seminal songs “The Ballad of Love and Hate”, “Murder in the City” and “I and Love and You” such a poignant perspective. ‘I still love you like I did, sometimes I fail to let you know’ they sing on “2020 Regret”, sharing certain feelings that sometimes remain understated.
 
The album winds down with two soothing songs that retain that calming caress, “Same Broken Bones” and “We Are Loved,” each an example of both honesty and insight. So, while some may feel somewhat uncertain with what’s heard on the initial encounter, ultimately The Avett Brothers is not only resolute and reassuring, but what one might consider a credible comeback as well.
(by Lee Zimmerman)
 
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