Throughout musical history, there has always been something distinctively special about brotherly acts, and The Avett Brothers from North Carolina have produced yet another excellent record in I and Love and You. Recorded in California and produced by Rick Rubin (Johnny Cash, The Dixie Chicks) the 13 track album is their major label debut through Sony Music.
Siblings Scott and Seth Avett along with bassist Bob Crawford create a beautiful mix of folk, country, blues and even shades of pop and rock smattered throughout. Built around luscious piano chords, gentle guitars and simple banjo, the music is complete with perfectly blended vocal harmonies that send chills down your spine.
But it’s really the lyrical content – and the raw honesty of them – that makes this album so real. The way in which the lyrics are portrayed; the emotion in the voices, gives such a personal insight to listeners. And this is why it’s more than just harmonies and music – because it’s about expressing the emotion and the experiences that the brothers have shared throughout their lifetime, and the Avett Brothers do this superbly.
There are a number of first-rate tracks on the album, in particular Laundry Room, Ill With Want and Slight Figure of Speech but the one that stands in its own element is title track I and Love and You. Starting with gentle piano, the music gets stronger as the story builds to the chorus and slows right down in the few final bars adding to the soft touch of the tender lyrical flow.
The subtle changes between sweet melancholic sounds of the folk-pop-country-blues blend and the driving rhythms of rock keeps things varied and interesting throughout, creating a record that explores deep and personal experiences of the bothers, yet is incredibly fun pleasing to listen to.
Having already released several albums, EPs and singles since their debut in 2001,The Avett Brothers add another admirable record to the collection.
I and Love and You hits stores down under on Februrary 19th with an Australian tour in March 2010.