Customer Reviews

Second Gleam (Dig)

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

As the Avett Brothers pack their bags for the big time of American Recordings and Rick Rubin, they've left this six-song EP as a capstone to their five years on the indie Ramseur label. Unlike the fuller, rock-inflected country-folk productions of last year's "Emotionalism," their latest is pared back to just the brothers, their guitars and a banjo. Bassist Bob Crawford is absent, the vocals are mostly solo and the lyrics are pushed up front, with instruments providing a setting rather than active elements of the songs. The result is more like a songwriter's circle than a studio recording, leaning more heavily on the tunes than the performances. The six songs (clocking in at just under 21 minutes) are thoughtful, direct and personal, covering themes of growing up and letting go, romantic desire, brotherly considerations of family, and some philosophical wonderings. The brothers finger-picking is particularly fetching on "Bella Donna," a song of innocent teenage longing that winningly brings to mind Alex Chilton's "Thirteen." The Avett's capture a frankness, in their writing, singing, playing and production that's startling in its quiet power. 4-1/2 stars, if allowed fractional ratings. [©2008 hyperbolium dot com]

As a rule I avoid sequels. I can name only a handful of movies, books or albums that have succeeded artistically as a "sequel". While THE GLEAM PTII, does not rate as high in my opinion as the original, it's still a pretty strong piece of work. The concepts of both albums are the same, Scott and Seth Avett, minus bassist Bob Crawford facing off solo with spare, acoustic ballads. The original GLEAM gets the nod mostly due to IF IT'S THE BEACHES; perhaps the Avett's shining moment on record. Still, PART II does deliver some first class material, especially the opener TEAR DOWN THE HOUSE.

The quiet tunes featured on both GLEAM sets are a far cry from the raucous intensity of the Avett's live shows, but these guys are such great songwriters that it's still some essential listening. It will be interesting to see where they go on their next album that will be produced by fellow bearded Svengali, Rick Rubin. In the meantime it will be fine with me to enjoy these amazing, honest, heartfelt performances.

The Avett Brothers take it down a notch with this one, with a more acoustic sound. Excellent listen though, my personal favorite. Headlining Suwannee Springfest this year, along with many other fantastic artists.

I am a big fan, and this is more along the lines of the first Gleam album, than Emotionalism. The Greatest Sum is probably my favorite song, but lyrically they all are superb. if you are a fan of these guys, this is another must have. if you ever get the chance to see them live, do not pass it up.

The Avett Brothers are a great band, and this is a solid album. Probably not their very best, but definitely a good purchase. Murder in the City is a worth the cost of the album.

I LOVE this album! Tear Down the House; Murder in the City; BELLA DONNA!; St. Joseph's. This is a great, great album! Definitely on the list for "Top 10 albums to have if stranded on a desert island." These guys are also amazing live! I came across a couple of their songs back in '09 and got a last minute ticket to one of their shows.. I've been a huge fan ever since! I've seen them live twice and as luck would have it, I also had a chance to meet them twice. They are so incredibly humble and thankful for their fans. They deserve every ounce of fame headed their way.

I just happened to hear an Avett Brothers song on the radio and was totally thrilled to hear young guys with the simple heartfelt lyrics and great sibling harmonies along with acoustic guitars. Murder in the City is the one that gets me choked up everytime I hear it. Now have tickets to see them live here in January and I can't wait.

The Avett Brothers opened a recent show in Bristol, TN with "Murder in the City." Scott Avett stood alone on stage with his guitar. The simple tune and plain lyrics proceeded to sear straight through me.

These guys play from the heart. You might expect such great musicians to add layers of technical complexity to their productions with successive albums. Not the Avett Brothers. They just continue to peel down the extras until all that is left is what you feel listening to them.

If these songs don't get to you, you haven't listened to them.

The Second Gleam shines again. Since I first read that this was coming, I've been trying to contain my anticipation and excitement for the new album. The Avett Brothers shine so well that words can scarcely express. The lyrics on the Second Gleam are deep, insightful and heart-felt. They combine perfectly with the finely crafted instrumental work.

Buy this EP now! You will be pleased!

If you already like the Avett Brothers, then don't even think about it, just buy this album. Murder in the City is one of the most beautiful songs ever crafted.

If you're not already an Avett fan, I'd recommend I and Love and You as a first foray-- it was their breakthrough album and is a better way to ease into the Avett world. This was my third Avett album and now it's all I can do to keep myself from just buying them all.