Heave Media

The Low Anthem Provides a Perfect Folk Experience

Love-infused lyrics, boozy voices, and amped-up instrumentation rule on Oh My God, Charlie Darwin

The Low Anthem

Oh My God, Charlie Darwin

Released on Jul 07, 2009

Folk music is one of the most difficult genres to produce music for—not only does an artist need to produce acceptable music, but said music must capture a specific feeling, time, or event. Arguably, this is the goal of any artist that decides to record songs for public consumption, but folk is the one genre where a lack of emotion in one’s songwriting becomes an immediate death sentence.

As a result of those standards, many artists who purport themselves as “folk” musicians never manage to quite fit into that scene. I’m a huge fan of folk music, and always find myself a little nervous when a new album falls into my lap. However, in regards to The Low Anthem, all fears of folk illegitimacy are quelled by the time the second track rolls around. Between their expert use of their instruments—including clarinet, banjo, mandolin, and the folk mainstay, a harmonica—and the fantastic dueling voices of Ben Knox Miller and Jeff Prystowsky, Oh My God, Charlie Darwin positions itself as a must-have for any folk fan.

The Low Anthem excels at providing listeners with two entirely different, but inherently folk sound styles. First, they offer tracks with more longing tones, like the wonderfully simple and endearing song, “Ticket Taker.” Thanks to the sparse instrumentation of just a clarinet and an acoustic guitar, the soft and smoky vocal tones come through perfectly, as do the earnest lyrics about lost love. Oh, and if this folk is your style, the harmonies on the opening track might break your heart with their beauty.

But, they’re not just sitting around with an acoustic guitar on one knee—they explore the other side of folk as well. Songs like “The Horizon is a Beltway” showcase a voice that rivals Tom Waits in pure grit and masculinity. Also, it’s got a far more developed musical aspect to it. The best part about these two different types—and the fact that both find a home on Oh My God, Charlie Darwin—is that it’s nearly impossible for a listener to peg them entirely in either style. They’re equally talented at both, which aids in seeing this album as a complete music experience.

As far as my folk goes, I prefer mine to be whiskey-soaked. I naturally favored “The Horizon is a Beltway,” “Home I’ll Never Be,” and “Champion Angel”—these tracks make me want to get in the car and drive west until I’m about to fall into the Pacific Ocean.  

While they’re great lyricists, it’s fantastic to listen to a band whose willing to throw in a purely instrumental song, and do it successfully. At two minutes, “Music Box” isn’t attempting to evoke Explosions in the Sky-type emotions, but it serves as a sweet interlude amidst all the heartbreak and hard livin’.

This album isn’t just a great find for summer—it defines versatility in production as well as listening experience. If you’re a folk fan, this is an album that you’ll want to have on almost all the time.

Posted by Alyssa Vincent on Jun 30, 2009 @ 6:30 am