Devotchka are one of those bands where I’m genuinely envious of anyone who hasn’t discovered them yet; bubbling below or around that mythical radar that most decent acts remain forever beneath. They’re a pretty difficult band to pin down though; a multi-instrumental four piece from Denver, they sound at times more like an Eastern European rabble-rousing Indie-Folk collective. This is largely thanks to the yearning cold swoon in the vocal of singer Nick Urata but this too is a strong spiritual weapon in the bands impressive arsenal. Since enjoying something of a minor US breakthrough in 2008 with ‘A Mad And Faithful Telling’ they’ve consolidated that position in the live arena, particularly impressing when supporting Muse in front of 90,000 strong crowds. Compositionally too, they’ve enjoyed movie soundtrack success including award winning work on the ‘Little Miss Sunshine’ film. But it’s here, on the home ground of an original album that their genius really shines on; they’re writing songs with a real cinematic flare that current studio collaborators Calexico have helped occupy a vast landscape that’s all their own. Add to that the multitude of international reference points and you end up with that rare thing today, a sound that is truly unique. On ‘All The Sand In All The Sea’ they manage to reclaim the Turkish rhythm used by Dave Brubeck on ‘Blue Rondo A La Turk’, stick a rocket up it and send it flying off to previously unimagined destinations. Elsewhere we’re awash with whistles, flutes, bouzoukis, accordions, trumpets and drums stirred to the most potent brew of rampant gypsy-soul to be found anywhere at the moment. Please take the time to preview this great album below:Thursday 15 December 2011
ALBUMS OF THE YEAR 2011 No.18 - DEVOTCHKA, 100 Lovers
Devotchka are one of those bands where I’m genuinely envious of anyone who hasn’t discovered them yet; bubbling below or around that mythical radar that most decent acts remain forever beneath. They’re a pretty difficult band to pin down though; a multi-instrumental four piece from Denver, they sound at times more like an Eastern European rabble-rousing Indie-Folk collective. This is largely thanks to the yearning cold swoon in the vocal of singer Nick Urata but this too is a strong spiritual weapon in the bands impressive arsenal. Since enjoying something of a minor US breakthrough in 2008 with ‘A Mad And Faithful Telling’ they’ve consolidated that position in the live arena, particularly impressing when supporting Muse in front of 90,000 strong crowds. Compositionally too, they’ve enjoyed movie soundtrack success including award winning work on the ‘Little Miss Sunshine’ film. But it’s here, on the home ground of an original album that their genius really shines on; they’re writing songs with a real cinematic flare that current studio collaborators Calexico have helped occupy a vast landscape that’s all their own. Add to that the multitude of international reference points and you end up with that rare thing today, a sound that is truly unique. On ‘All The Sand In All The Sea’ they manage to reclaim the Turkish rhythm used by Dave Brubeck on ‘Blue Rondo A La Turk’, stick a rocket up it and send it flying off to previously unimagined destinations. Elsewhere we’re awash with whistles, flutes, bouzoukis, accordions, trumpets and drums stirred to the most potent brew of rampant gypsy-soul to be found anywhere at the moment. Please take the time to preview this great album below:
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