Deas Vail - Birds and Cages

[Gregory Robson]

Deas Vail - Birds and Cages
Record Label: Mono vs. Stereo
Release Date: Oct. 27, 2009

It's pretty hard to write something disparaging or unpleasant about Arkansas quintet Deas Vail. The band, which still maintains its Christian roots, has done little to polarize its audience, has kept its collective nose clean and prefers to stay far from the spotlight. Ever humble, always appreciative and unfailingly sincere, the band backs up their off-stage persona with a well-crafted mix of piano-based prettiness and a thoroughly engaging live set.

On their third full-length album Birds and Cages, the band has all the right intentions and the winning formula, but the disc falters under the weight of its own prettiness and grandiosity. Vocalist Wes Blaylock has a feathery timbre that stretches to falsetto often and has the kind of sweetly affecting hypnotism not unlike Aaron Marsh. Album opener, "The Things You Were," is proof of the band's magnetism, as backup vocalist/keyboardist Laura Blaylock and backup vocalist/drummer Kelsey Harelson add their sultry vocals to a stirring, piano-fueled melody. Said piano is an instrument the band wears on their sleeve, allowing it to take centerstage on most songs, most noticeably the cinematic sweep of "Dance in Perfect Time," which feels a lot like a b-side from The Everglow. Of all the songs on the album, the real winners are the ballads, most notably "Puzzles and Pieces," which seems destined for a movie soundtrack or prime-time television.

When the band does chooses to up the sonic ante and take a stab at mid-tempo modern rock a la The Fray, the songs seem to run together and fall apart. The one exception is the punchy "Excuses," which has a radio-ready chorus and is one of only a select few rockers on the album that isn't overwhelmed by Blaylock's high-pitched crooning. The duration of the disc just comes across as belletristic and only the album's last three tracks, "The Great Physician," "The Leaper" and "Atlantis" really take the band to the next level.

And yet for all the shortcomings on Birds and Cages, it's hard to find too many glaring flaws. This is unadulterated, simple piano-pop, laden with a crystalline prettiness, gauzy textures and supple melodies. And when music like Jeffree Starr and Brokencyde can pass the buck, listening to Birds and Cages is a welcome respite. That being said, Birds and Cages needs to be more than just a respite, it needs to be a masterpiece, and unfortunately it falls short of that goal.

1.The Things You Wer
2. Growing Pains
3. Excuses
4. Cages
5. Birds
6. Tell Me
7. Dance In Perfect Time
8. Sunlight
9. Puzzles and Pieces
10. The Great Physician
11. The Leaper
12. Atlantis

Cool Hand Luke, Copeland, Sleeping At Last, Future of Forestry, Mae, My Epic

Wes Blaylock (vocals/keys/guitar)
Laura Blaylock (keys/synth/vocals)
Kelsey Harelson (drummer)
Andrew Moore (guitar)
Justin Froning (bass)

Myspace (http://www.myspace.com/deasvail)
Website
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(http://www.purevolume.com/deasvail)Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/deasvail)

[geebee889]

Really well written review, and I completely agree. This album, while still great, fell short of my expectations. I think you hit it spot on!

[Nardes]

Love this album, to me I can listen to it over and over and over and not get sick of it.

[Shakriel]

Good review, keep meaning to check this out.

PS - You give the singer a different last name than the one you mention later...

[inthemidst]

Thanks for the review! I've been meaning to check their music out for years now.

Well written as always, good sir.

[Gregory Robson]

Good review, keep meaning to check this out.

PS - You give the singer a different last name than the one you mention later...
Thank you so much. Great copyediting. I owe you a beer.

[Smeee]

Great review. Hit the nail on the head. First listen, I was a bit disappointed - probably due to massive expectations. However, after a few more spins, I'm really enjoying it. Still, it's not quite at masterpiece level.

[Gregory Robson]

Great review. Hit the nail on the head. First listen, I was a bit disappointed - probably due to massive expectations. However, after a few more spins, I'm really enjoying it. Still, it's not quite at masterpiece level.
Nope. And they are capable of creating one too. They have all the tools in place.

[DanielJames]

I've only listened through the entire album once, but upon initial listen it sounds good and I have a lot of th same feelings that you write about in your review.

[Shakriel]

Thank you so much. Great copyediting. I owe you a beer.
Haha no biggie. The name jumped out at me since I've seen way too many movies.

[honestykills]

Nope. And they are capable of creating one too. They have all the tools in place.
i completely agree. it's a beautiful album, but a bit frustrating when you listen to their catalog and know they're capable of producing an Everglow or Beneath Medicine Tree. i still have great hope for these guys.

[beans22]

Fourth full-length? Really? I only know of one other.

Plus the 2 EP's.

[Gregory Robson]

Fourth full-length? Really? I only know of one other.

Plus the 2 EP's.
You are correct sir, it is their third. My apologies.

[Kbm600]

I will politely disagree. Album is fantastic to me and for the most part what I wanted. I think if I had to choose any disappointments that stand out the most it would have to concern the lack of feel this album has compared to the White Lights EP. That EP felt very cohesive with its imagery and this album doesn't seem to quite hold up to how the EP was laid out. But then again EPs have less room for error so I suppose that has a lot to do with it.

So it was mainly (to speak it bluntly) the parts of songs where the band attempted to feel more energetic? I'm not faulting you on the opinion I was just curious to where you found that the album fell slightly apart at.


Excellent review. Every review you write is better than the last, I always look forward to the next.

Regardless, this album will probably near my AOTY. I love "Birds" and "Tell Me" the only crime is that the latter is so short. Vocals seem to get better and better with each release.

[oncedarkness]

If there is a song on there that could be a b-side for the Everglow, I will definitely be checking this out. Oh, and I think the cover art is awesome.

[Gregory Robson]

If there is a song on there that could be a b-side for the Everglow, I will definitely be checking this out. Oh, and I think the cover art is awesome.
I do too. I absolutely love the cover art.

[Iwudstilldie4u]

I thought this was a masterpiece and deserved a higher grade, but I enjoyed your review. This is definitely up there for AOTY for me. Near perfection.

[threepunchjim]

imma be gettin my Everglow on today fur sure. great day for that.

[aealeman]

To whoever said this album doesn't have a "feel" like the White Lights EP did:

I think this album absolutely has a feel. If you notice all of the songs seem to talk about cages, or being trapped and in need of being set free or being rescued/saved. They're just wonderful. This whole album is just fantastic. It blows the last one out of the water for me. It's much more accessible.

[dannyclv147]

Good review, although I am surprised there was no mention of 'Birds.' That was incredible instrumentally and vocally. Overall this cd is very good but disappointing in Deas Vail regards. There debut and ep, although simple, illuminated Wes' amazing vocals and were instrumentally superior.

[kevinAIWW]

I'd never heard them until this was released and there was a lot of hype about it in my youth group at church. This is probably the most uplifting and amazing pop-indie band I've ever heard. I love this CD with my soul. Hahaha.

[p93]

I'm still confused - how is this their "third full-length album"?
Is there one I don't know about?

[SpyKi]

I downloaded this because of the cover art and the Mae comparison, I'm glad I did. I've given it one listen and it was pretty good.

[SixYearSymphony]

I'm surprised you skipped over talking about "Birds" and "Cages." Honestly, their title tracks are the ones that keep playing in my head. They're like responses to each other, it seems.

This album definitely lives up to my expectations from "All The Houses Look The Same" and "White Lights," but, like you said, there are things I wish they'd pushed more. Still great to have more Deas Vail music to listen to though, cause I can't get enough of their musicianship and Wes's voice.

[Gregory Robson]

I'm still confused - how is this their "third full-length album"?
Is there one I don't know about?
Their LPs include: 2005's This Place is Painted Red, 2007's All The Houses Look the Same and this one. Their two EPs are 2006 Collapse and 2008's White Lights.

[p93]

Their LPs include: 2005's This Place is Painted Red, 2007's All The Houses Look the Same and this one. Their two EPs are 2006 Collapse and 2008's White Lights.

Thank you much. I'd never heard of This Place is Painted Red and it's not listed on their myspace. I bow out in embarrassment.

[Steve Henderson]

If anyone has ever deserved a perfect score for vocals, it is Wes Blaylock. Dude is incredible - only real issue I take with this review.

[Gregory Robson]

If anyone has ever deserved a perfect score for vocals, it is Wes Blaylock. Dude is incredible - only real issue I take with this review.
You don't think he overdoes it? Cause I feel like he does at least a few times on this one.

[DandonTRJ]

Great review -- punchy and to the point. I'm enjoying the disc, but I agree that Wes and Co. are capable of even more. Hopefully we'll get a follow-up LP sooner rather than later, considering they've had Birds and Cages finished for over a year before it finally got released.

[Kbm600]

You don't think he overdoes it? Cause I feel like he does at least a few times on this one.
I can see where it'd be perceived as overdoing it a few times considering how high he frequently gets in songs, but I agree with Steve when he says that Blaylock has an incredible gift and showcases it often.

[thepianominstre]

I do too. I absolutely love the cover art.
I talked to Andy at a show last week and he said the art was designed by a guy in Honduras who had messaged them saying he likes to paint to their music, and they asked him to do the artwork.

I've had this album on repeat for the last week and a half and I don't have many disappointments, although I understand your feel of over-grandiosity or whatever. Laura's ba-ba background vocals sound really good on this album, and keeping the strings from the EP give some nice growth from All The Houses without taking over the rest of the musicians... There's a lot of time signature playing and stuff and some of that might be a little much for its own good (esp. "Sunlight") but as a huge Deas Vail fan it has lived up to my expectations. I was afraid Matt Thiessen's cameo on "Birds" would feel weird but I thought it was subtle and well done...

I hope this Owl City tour will leave some kids thinking the opening band was the most exciting... well I can dream anyway.

[Steve Henderson]

You don't think he overdoes it? Cause I feel like he does at least a few times on this one.
I think it is what takes Deas Vail from being a good band to a great one. If he didn't flex his vocal muscle like he does, the whole act would be less remarkable.

[Kurt Retenauer]

Out of curiosity, do these reviews go under any copy-edting by any other staffers prior to posting?

[doppelganger]

the cd has potential to be better

[Gregory Robson]

Out of curiosity, do these reviews go under any copy-edting by any other staffers prior to posting?
Where dd I screw up? Tell me and I'll fix it.

[sammyboy516]

You are correct sir, it is their third. My apologies.
isnt it their second full length? white lights was an ep.

edit: sorry, your right, there's one before ATHLTS.

[Clark]

And a full point to the vocals score and I'll agree with your rating.

[Kurt Retenauer]

Where dd I screw up? Tell me and I'll fix it.
Nowhere. I just noticed that someone else corrected you on here, and was just curious if staffers posted these after only their own reviewal, or if Jason reviewed them, or anyone else. Sorry for accidentally calling you out: I didn't mean to.

[mutualaddiction]

I was really obsessed with All The Houses Look The Same a couple years back, even though that album has kinda fallen off my playlist i should give this new one a listen, for old times sake.

[beans22]

You are correct sir, it is their third. My apologies.
Ah, ok, no worries. I was moderately excited to possibly find out there was a release I missed.

Good review by the way. I'll have to check this out soon

[shorecallssea]

Good review. You clearly care about the band and the album and I appreciate that. I do disagree though. This album is remarkable. I'm not sure why you don't like the "prettiness". Prettiness is what people in who listen to this genre are looking for. And the album has more than prettiness. It has complexity, melodic surprises and Wes Blaylock's voice. :)

and the album art is great. I have a poster of it on my wall that I got at their show. I love it.

[aealeman]

You don't think he overdoes it? Cause I feel like he does at least a few times on this one.
I think he overdoes it more on the last album, All The Houses. For me, the falsetto on that album, while impressive, was used too much to the point where it gets a little annoying.

[InBetweenAisles]

Really good album. Amazing band. Love their music.

[aealeman]

I'm surprised you skipped over talking about "Birds" and "Cages." Honestly, their title tracks are the ones that keep playing in my head. They're like responses to each other, it seems.

This album definitely lives up to my expectations from "All The Houses Look The Same" and "White Lights," but, like you said, there are things I wish they'd pushed more. Still great to have more Deas Vail music to listen to though, cause I can't get enough of their musicianship and Wes's voice.
Birds is hands down my favorite track on this album. But you're right, these two are fabulous. Each track has something that I absolutely love about it. For example, The Things You Were shines towards the end when Laura's vocals come in and Wes's are thrown on top.

[jsbuck]

I think a lot of this just boils down to subjective taste. In my subjective taste, Deas Vail has made one of the best rock albums I've ever heard, and I like it precisely because it's so "pretty" -- both in its lyrical melodies and in the soaring vocals. The difference between Copeland and Deas Vail is that Wes Blaylock can sing an entire concert without several wincingly flat notes.

[aealeman]

I think a lot of this just boils down to subjective taste. In my subjective taste, Deas Vail has made one of the best rock albums I've ever heard, and I like it precisely because it's so "pretty" -- both in its lyrical melodies and in the soaring vocals. The difference between Copeland and Deas Vail is that Wes Blaylock can sing an entire concert without several wincingly flat notes.
This. I love Copeland, favorite band ever, but this is so right.

[jsbuck]

By the way, I suppose I should link to my own review, which was quite positive: http://stuartbuck.blogspot.com/2009/11/more-on-deas-vail.html

[denissuxx]

Such a fucking good album

[chillinlikebob]

Amazing album and potential AOTY for me!! I have played over and over and am not getting sick of it yet.

[LastDeclaration]

Nice review, straight to the point. They've been on my iPod forever, but I've never really bothered with them. Perhaps I should...

[laxcrs]

love this so far

[boscorelli]

you criticize the album for pretty much your entire review, focusing nearly almost on negatives yet give it an 80%? that suggests a near perfect album; ratings never reflect the content of the review and it makes no sense.

based off your review, the score belongs in the high 60's, low 70's at most.

[SpyKi]

you criticize the album for pretty much your entire review, focusing nearly almost on negatives yet give it an 80%? that suggests a near perfect album; ratings never reflect the content of the review and it makes no sense.

based off your review, the score belongs in the high 60's, low 70's at most.
80% is near perfect?

[aealeman]

By the way, I suppose I should link to my own review, which was quite positive: http://stuartbuck.blogspot.com/2009/11/more-on-deas-vail.html
Nice review. Agree completely.

[Cue the Sun]

Wilmer Murillo did a great job with the artwork. love it!

[Intamin]

I love this album and think they're doing amazing works of wonder here. I don't doubt that they may have better in them, but as far as relativity goes to what's out there now, this is at least a 90 in my book.

If we're grading them based on the best work they'll ever do, maybe it is an 80, but I'm grading them based on all the work they've ever done, and I'd have to say 92%--at least.

[Nick Le]

Good review, I liked their previous outputs. I need to check this out.

[Nick Le]

80% is near perfect?
I didn't know that...

[kevinAIWW]

You don't think he overdoes it? Cause I feel like he does at least a few times on this one.
His vocals blow my mind, man. For real. For not having the ever-so-famous auto tuning, this man should be condemned for his range and talent.

[kevinAIWW]

I'm STILL spinning this magic. I'm going to hate this band in like a month. Haha.

[Crash003]

It's great to see that how far this band has come, even from ATHLTS.

I had chills the first time I heard Birds being played. I decided that I needed to listen to the rest of the album and wasn't disappointed whatsoever. The vocals are what make this album stand out from all of the rest. It is definitely in my top 5 albums that were released this past year.

[Bpmp93]

I will politely disagree. Album is fantastic to me and for the most part what I wanted. I think if I had to choose any disappointments that stand out the most it would have to concern the lack of feel this album has compared to the White Lights EP. That EP felt very cohesive with its imagery and this album doesn't seem to quite hold up to how the EP was laid out. But then again EPs have less room for error so I suppose that has a lot to do with it.

So it was mainly (to speak it bluntly) the parts of songs where the band attempted to feel more energetic? I'm not faulting you on the opinion I was just curious to where you found that the album fell slightly apart at.


Excellent review. Every review you write is better than the last, I always look forward to the next.

Regardless, this album will probably near my AOTY. I love "Birds" and "Tell Me" the only crime is that the latter is so short. Vocals seem to get better and better with each release.
I agree 100% with you Kbm600. Kinda like with Relient K's Forget and Not Slow Down, a lot of those intros and outros could have been great full length songs

[randnanand]

Great LP, great band. The vocals on this are amazing. Can't wait til its released in stores. I love having the actual cd and the album art.

[twokidtech]

Good review, although I am surprised there was no mention of 'Birds.' That was incredible instrumentally and vocally. Overall this cd is very good but disappointing in Deas Vail regards. There debut and ep, although simple, illuminated Wes' amazing vocals and were instrumentally superior.
That's probably why I liked this better than their debut (it was better instrumentally, "it" being the debut)... vocals are what matter to me the most for some reason, so this one is better vocally to me

[shorecallssea]

I agree, the Vocals were better on this album. The melodies were carried by Wes and backed up by more understated instrumentals.

[CarouselBoy]

I feel like your review doesn't match the score you gave it. You seemed to like it and gave it a good score, but you spent a lot of time talking about how imperfect it was. Anyway now that this is available in physical form I ordered it off of amazon the other day. I've only heard their single and I'm pretty excited to hear the rest

[Gregory Robson]

I feel like your review doesn't match the score you gave it. You seemed to like it and gave it a good score, but you spent a lot of time talking about how imperfect it was. Anyway now that this is available in physical form I ordered it off of amazon the other day. I've only heard their single and I'm pretty excited to hear the rest
That's because this band has the potential to be redonkulous. Even when they take missteps, they're leaps and bounds above others. Hope that helps answers your assertion.

[CarouselBoy]

That's because this band has the potential to be redonkulous. Even when they take missteps, they're leaps and bounds above others. Hope that helps answers your assertion.
that makes sense but I still think you could have spent more time talking about the good :-)

[Gregory Robson]

that makes sense but I still think you could have spent more time talking about the good :-)
I was too disappointed by how underwhelming it was for me. So that's why I didn't. Thanks for the feedback though. Always much appreciated.

[CarouselBoy]

I was too disappointed by how underwhelming it was for me. So that's why I didn't. Thanks for the feedback though. Always much appreciated.
No problemo friendo

[s2kat1]

all the houses will always be their best. i love it.

[Drow Swordsman]

The review's accurate, but I love this album. They also put on an incredible live show.

[Jamos4184]

Saw them on Copeland's farewell tour on Saturday night, and they were great. I was very impressed, and Blaylock's vocals are spot-on live.

[Gregory Robson]

Saw them on Copeland's farewell tour on Saturday night, and they were great. I was very impressed, and Blaylock's vocals are spot-on live.
Yeah. the dude sure can swing. Just needs to be more kinetic live. He's kinda like a stick. Very little personality.

[twilightdoves]

I absolutely love Birds + Cages, as well as White Lights EP. Deas Vail came to Purdue on a monday night during the summer and gave us a free concert. Very nice publicity, because they defininitely created a fan base here. We invited them back they returned in November. I hope they come back a third time, lol.

Anywho, I love Birds + Cages, because in a way it tells a story. It begins with "The Things You Were", which is about how we are given a chance to have a new life with Jesus Christ. The lines "second chance" and "maybe this is love" represents how curious we are about this new life but unsure about it. The album continues through our struggles as Christians. The songs Birds and Cages are pretty obvious, someone has to "let us out of our cages". When you consider the meaning of the band's name (roughly translated "Humble servant of God") the confusing lyrics make way more sense.

[juice064]

I just recently bought this album and I can't agree more with this review