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The Avett Brothers fill ears with new tunes

Posted on Nov 17, 2009 in Features

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The Avett Brothers’ Sept. 29 studio release is as sweet as it is self-aware.

“I and Love and You” shows that the banjo-wielding boys from North Carolina are anything but simple, as their lyrics come across as incredibly accessible poetry, and the melodies are catchy and complex.

The theme of the album seems to be one of personal growth and liberation.

In “Head Full of Doubt/Road Full of Promise,” a clear sense of the country’s sad state is contrasted by an inner hope for the future.

The lyrics provide honest inspiration and forward thinking with phrases like, “If you’re loved by someone/You’re never rejected./Decide what to be/And go be it.”

Moving from simple harmonies and banjo plucking, the Avett Brothers’ new record employs piano, organ and raucous, yet melodic screaming on many of the songs. “Kick Drum Heart” and “Slight Figure of Speech” are both songs that combine the brothers’ bluegrass sincerity with the high energy of the pop-punk genre.

While each song varies in topic and subject matter, it is apparent that these performers have been in some dark places (“I am ill with wanting/And it’s evil and it’s daunting” from “Ill With Want” and “When at first I learned to speak/I used all my words to fight/With him and her and you and me/But it’s just a waste of time/Yeah, it’s such a waste of time” from “I And Love and You”), but they are making progress toward contentment and an ease with their inner-workings as each experience shapes worldview and future choices.

While the maturation process of the Avett Brothers is evident, the consistent element of their style is the audible smile that comes across whether the songs are crooned, shouted or simply sung.

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