Simple Storytelling

Rarely do we come across songs, playing in the background or quietly hummed under someone’s breath, that cement themselves in our heads, immediately fueling our curiosity as to who is singing and what it is they are trying to say. When listening to Iron and Wine, there comes a feeling that the songs are being sung for the listener alone, and the meaning behind the songs requires any passerby to slow down and take a closer listen.

The band began to get worldwide attention after their cover of The Postal Service’s Such Great Heights, a track that appeared on the much-coveted Garden State soundtrack. Their new album, Around the Well, is a jam-packed, two disc beauty, featuring old classics as well as new releases. The first disc focuses on the solo exploits of the lead singer and guitarist, Samuel Beam, who exudes a powerful musicianship as well as a unique artistry. His voice adds a personal feel to the lyrics, again giving off the feeling that the song has been written specially for each and every listener. The simplicity of the band as a whole comes with the fact that in this album, there are none of the petty distractions so easily thrown in by an overeager studio. Here, there seems to be only a voice and a guitar, where the poetic lyrics and simple melodies are as comforting as a bedtime story.

The album is a unique gem within the massive mine of the music industry, the second disc featuring some truly beautiful new tracks such as Belated Promise Ring, Homeward these Shoes, Serpent Charmer, and The Trapeze Swinger. The easy charm of Iron and Wine remains consistent throughout the record, which, in the end, is that of a simple storyteller playing to a simple, yet beautiful, melody.

Short URL: http://newbeatsmedia.com/?p=3099

Writen by Dizz

Posted on Wed 9th September 2009 and filed under Albums, Reviews.

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