In the last few weeks, I’ve had a few reviews run on Dusted; this is an attempt to collect links to all of them in one place.
Avi Buffalo: Avi Buffalo
“At times, this album could pass for a mid-1990s contemporary of the softly-spoken indie pop of Holiday. At others, when the guitar’s melodies become more prominent and the sweeps cinematic, Avi Buffalo’s signing to the one-time home of the Shins and Band of Horses is equally understandable.”
Frog Eyes: Paul’s Tomb: A Triumph
“…while Paul’s Tomb doesn’t represent a huge stylistic break for the band — Mercer’s rapid-fire guitar playing and ecstatic shouts are still present here — its sense of pace suggests that the band has acquired a newfound attention to detail.”
Phosphorescent: Here’s to Taking it Easy
“Elevated by slide guitar and ebullient horns, “It’s Hard to Be Humble (When You’re From Alabama)â€� has a loose, rambling feel to it, suggesting that last year’s Willie Nelson hat-top To Willie was more than a one-off venture. That clarity, though — distinctive guitar solos! horn section! — may be worrisome to those already familiar with the group’s previous work.”
The Tallest Man on Earth: The Wild Hunt
““I’m not from Barcelona,â€� Mattson sings 40 seconds into the song, and suggests that his palette of songwriting tools has expanded to incorporate the answer song.”