Release Date: October 15, 2013
Part of the Avett Brothers’ initial appeal was its grungy charm—one could picture the group crammed onto the same dank bar stage as any number of alternative acts, though toting a banjo and an upright bass instead of distortion pedals or sticker-clad Stratocasters.
Its brand of undistilled country, folk, and bluegrass as captured in early recordings is fused with something so clearly different, yet so oddly accessible. The two bearded, 20-something brothers Seth and Scott, along with bassist and near-sibling Bob Crawford, would shriek and stomp their way through mountain jams as though the songs were their only way to cope with depression and loneliness.
The ballads were equally compelling, if not more so, regaling listeners with songs of fleeting dalliances with “pretty girls” from a dozen towns and general wistfulness on all aspects of existence.
That started over 10 years ago. The Avetts and their music have, understandably, settled down.
As adults now largely playing songs for adults, the musicians have families and kids, albums with chart positions, and music videos on VEVO.
The band is in cahoots with uber-producer Rick Rubin, as has been the case for its past two records as well (Magpie was recorded during the same sessions spent on previous album The Carpenter, when the musicians were evidently on a hot streak).
And a big-name studio touch has been omnipresent—production has certainly increased in Avett material, by way of additional instruments and increased variation in song structure and mood, which have been changing like the brothers’ beards and hairstyles.
True, The Avett Brothers’ grungiest quirks have mostly disappeared. But with a few rebellious streaks placed subtly throughout the record and a handful of rough demo recordings included with the deluxe edition, the band salutes a beloved past.
Opening track “Open Ended Life” is just that: panoramic in scale, and with an eye toward the future.
“Let’s find something new to talk about, I’m tired of talking ’bout myself,” croons Scott Avett, historically the more introspective of the brothers.
Magpie and the Dandelion reflects this turn away from soul searching, generally avoiding the textbook Avett subject material like mortality and aging (but not love; they’ll damn sure always sing about love).
In fact, the lyrics are rife with the intangible abstractions and unengaging ambiguities symptomatic of bands embracing pop. It’s no secret The Avett Brothers is doing just that.
Take “Another is Waiting,” the unambitious little number that could be considered the record’s chief single—a song about the traps and pitfalls involved in trying to “make it” in the uncaring abyss of Hollywood. The music video reflects the band’s connection to the mainstream even more—Scott Avett’s gelled hair and (ironic?) thick-rimmed glasses seem almost sacrilegious—significant in solidifying the group’s docile new direction.
To be fair, The Avett Brothers has never masqueraded as pureblooded Carolina expatriates, unadulterated by a culture of hash tags and re-blogging. There’s always been a vague, Brooklynish vibe from the group (particularly with the welcome addition of cellist Joseph Kwon several years ago), who more often than not perform in skinny jeans and other hip accoutrements.
Magpie proves choppy at times. Songs like “Never Been Alive” and “Vanity” maintain a fluid pace; they may be a little forced, but keep things interesting nonetheless.
But the most disappointing part of The Avett Brothers’ now three-album-long commitment to mainstream appeal is how its musical spectrum shifted.
What was once a protean blend of all things Americana, mixed with an array of unique flourishes, has now transcended into the realm of marketable pop-rock with “country” elements that at times seem like gimmicks. The appeal is still there, but it’s heavily diluted.
Magpie and the Dandelion is the kind of album that cynical veteran fans won’t want to like—full of well-tuned drum fills, calculated harmonies, and other Rubinesque components that’ve found a place in the band’s sound over the past few records.
But The Avett Brothers hasn’t forgotten its much-beloved sentimentality; though the trio has long since departed for the pop world, its roots are still firmly planted despite some underwhelming output. For better or for worse, the Avetts have grown up.
The Avett Brothers – Magpie and the Dandelion tracklist:
- “Open Ended Life”
- “Morning Song”
- “Never Been Alive”
- “Another is Waiting”
- “Bring Your Love to Me”
- “Good to You”
- “Apart From Me”
- “Skin and Bones”
- “Souls Like the Wheels”
- “Vanity”
- “The Clearness is Gone”
