The Essex Green: The Long Goodbye

I picked this album up after seeing this group at the Paradise this past weekend. I enjoyed the use of less-than-average rock instruments, such as violins and eukalalie.

Listening to the album brought me down a bit because it felt as though the band had more Rock(tm), more oomph live than on the album, but that doesn't mean its bad... just a bit mellow.

The whole of the album has a certain 70s folk/rock/country feel, which they make work very well. While listening, there were points where I truly questioned when this album was made.

The lead off track, By the Sea has a certain body shake-a-bility, with the singers sweet voice pulling you into a time warp. And the use of a flute-esque instrument is actually complimentary, not frivolous.

I could walk through a few more songs, but the theme that would come up, again and again, would be how earily this sounds 70s-ish, but modern at the same time.

Tracks to perk your ears up to include Southern States, Julia, Old Dominion (who doesn't like a banjo?), and Whetherman.

In the end: Anyone who enjoyed that soft music of the 70s will adore this modern album. The experimenting with different instruments will turn some people on to it, but I know this kind of music just isnt for everyone. Its not offensive in any way, just soft... rather, mellow.

On the web: Photos from their show at the Paradise back in November can be found in my fotki collection.

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