Blake Solomon
02/02/09, 11:41 PM
husband&wife - Dark Dark Woods
Record Label: Crossroads of America Records
Release Date: February 24, 2009
You probably won’t walk away from Dark Dark Woods smiling. I realize such a statement sounds grave, but don’t let it be a deterrent. husband&wife have created a downright sad album; Mike Adams and Tim Felton mumble along in obvious pain, backed by elegiac folk arrangements. “I found my heart today / It wasn’t where I had thought / Buried in what you say / Not in my own conviction,” starts album highlight (or, erm, lowlight?) “England Lives”, and its active but bleak instrumentation quickly replaces whatever mood you previously possessed with H&W’s sorrow. The song erupts into one of the album’s loudest moments, but it comes across like a hopeless person lashing out at the end of their rope. It’s desperate and it’s gorgeous.
Dark Dark Woods sounds both atmospheric and intricate. “Haven’t Got A Friend” makes Bon Iver’s loneliness seem almost silly. Adams sings like a man who’s seen too much, while his guitar carries that rickety quality we all love with our folk music. The song’s discordant, screechy climax is therapeutic to say the least. Odd-song-out “I Got Fat” has a snarky humor throughout: “I meant to take you to the bank / But I got fat instead.” Will Rose's chiming percussion seems drenched in sunshine, even if the chorus is comprised of the line, “You aren’t the only one / To tell me I’m wrong / About love.” It’s a complicated song, because initial listens seem to imply happiness. But once you get past the burgeoning brass instruments, you’ll discover it’s another song about the confusion of relationships. This faux-joyfulness does just enough to keep us sane.
“Mulberry Squeezins” creates a post-rock framework before morphing into a rocker with rolling, heavy drums. I don’t feel at all cliché calling this song a two-in-one. Oh, and rejoice in this rare bit of happiness: “I’m in love / We’re all in love!” The album’s retro-folk style makes its best case during “Support Yourself.” Complete with 80’s elevator music-style synth sections and a soulful electric guitar solo, the song seems to actually give Felton a little shot of bravery. Felton's voice sounds strong here, but some female harmonization could do wonders. Dainty vocals are always welcome, especially when they can lighten the mood so efficiently.
If you just had a baby or ate a delicious sandwich, take a few days before starting on the emotional work necessary to enjoy Dark Dark Woods. Don’t purposely ruin your day. Still, if there ever was such a thing as mood music - and “mood” is a negative term! - this is it. H&W’s perfectly-timed release could accompany any blizzard or breakup or bad day.
Here's a little test to see if you’re in the right frame of mind for Dark Dark Woods. Read this line from drawn-out and fragilely beautiful “You Remain Unloved": “All temptation aside / You remain unloved / And you’ll never question why.” Do you feel strengthened by the fact that everyone’s life sucks? Or do you just wish he’d shut up and stop ruining your date - you’re totally trying to score tonight! If it’s the latter, shelve Dark Dark Woods for another, gloomier day.
Recommended If You Like: French Quarter meets Chris Bathgate meets Bon Iver, the futility of...aww f**k it
www.myspace.com/husbandwife
Record Label: Crossroads of America Records
Release Date: February 24, 2009
You probably won’t walk away from Dark Dark Woods smiling. I realize such a statement sounds grave, but don’t let it be a deterrent. husband&wife have created a downright sad album; Mike Adams and Tim Felton mumble along in obvious pain, backed by elegiac folk arrangements. “I found my heart today / It wasn’t where I had thought / Buried in what you say / Not in my own conviction,” starts album highlight (or, erm, lowlight?) “England Lives”, and its active but bleak instrumentation quickly replaces whatever mood you previously possessed with H&W’s sorrow. The song erupts into one of the album’s loudest moments, but it comes across like a hopeless person lashing out at the end of their rope. It’s desperate and it’s gorgeous.
Dark Dark Woods sounds both atmospheric and intricate. “Haven’t Got A Friend” makes Bon Iver’s loneliness seem almost silly. Adams sings like a man who’s seen too much, while his guitar carries that rickety quality we all love with our folk music. The song’s discordant, screechy climax is therapeutic to say the least. Odd-song-out “I Got Fat” has a snarky humor throughout: “I meant to take you to the bank / But I got fat instead.” Will Rose's chiming percussion seems drenched in sunshine, even if the chorus is comprised of the line, “You aren’t the only one / To tell me I’m wrong / About love.” It’s a complicated song, because initial listens seem to imply happiness. But once you get past the burgeoning brass instruments, you’ll discover it’s another song about the confusion of relationships. This faux-joyfulness does just enough to keep us sane.
“Mulberry Squeezins” creates a post-rock framework before morphing into a rocker with rolling, heavy drums. I don’t feel at all cliché calling this song a two-in-one. Oh, and rejoice in this rare bit of happiness: “I’m in love / We’re all in love!” The album’s retro-folk style makes its best case during “Support Yourself.” Complete with 80’s elevator music-style synth sections and a soulful electric guitar solo, the song seems to actually give Felton a little shot of bravery. Felton's voice sounds strong here, but some female harmonization could do wonders. Dainty vocals are always welcome, especially when they can lighten the mood so efficiently.
If you just had a baby or ate a delicious sandwich, take a few days before starting on the emotional work necessary to enjoy Dark Dark Woods. Don’t purposely ruin your day. Still, if there ever was such a thing as mood music - and “mood” is a negative term! - this is it. H&W’s perfectly-timed release could accompany any blizzard or breakup or bad day.
Here's a little test to see if you’re in the right frame of mind for Dark Dark Woods. Read this line from drawn-out and fragilely beautiful “You Remain Unloved": “All temptation aside / You remain unloved / And you’ll never question why.” Do you feel strengthened by the fact that everyone’s life sucks? Or do you just wish he’d shut up and stop ruining your date - you’re totally trying to score tonight! If it’s the latter, shelve Dark Dark Woods for another, gloomier day.
Recommended If You Like: French Quarter meets Chris Bathgate meets Bon Iver, the futility of...aww f**k it
www.myspace.com/husbandwife