Even if it sucked, I’d be tempted to review The Wooden Sky’s sophomore album just based on the title: “If I Don’t Come Home You’ll Know I’m Gone”. But it doesn’t suck at all. Opening cut, “Oh My God (It Still Means A Lot To Me)” is an earnest, country/folk chant that demands to be heard, with building power and harmonies. It’s the perfect entry point to this honest-yet-understated record.
Although much of the material is on the quieter side, the album also features the commanding “Angels” and a driving indie rock song, “Lock and Key,” that recalls The Afghan Whigs. There’s no single standout track here, and no one element that makes the record notable. Instead, it holds together as a movement, the sum of its parts: The vocals—and stellar harmonies–are the hook that brings the listener in. The drums keep each song alive. The bassline adds fear and danger. And the guitarwork . . . Well, the guitarwork is singular and wracked with passion—whether the song is acoustic (“Fairweather Friends”) or electric. It’s the soul of the band.
Terrific.
Something Hiding For Us In The Night
THE WOODEN SKY on tour w/Elliott Brood:
10/12 – San Francisco, CA @ Cafe Du Nord
10/13 – Los Angeles, CA @ Hotel Cafe
10/14 – Phoenix, AZ @ Rhythm Room
10/16 – Austin, TX @ Emo’s
10/17 – Denton, TX @ Hailey’s
10/20 – Chicago, IL @ Schubas
10/21 – Cleveland, OH @ Beachland
10/22 – New York, NY @ CMJ
