The Civil Wars
Artist: The Civil Wars
Label: Sensibility
Recordings/Columbia Records
Release Date: August 6, 2013
Duration: 12 tracks, 42:58
The Civil Wars is the sophomore release by the duo of John
Paul White and Joy Williams. The self-titled album follows every possible
success of their first release, Barton Hallow, including phenomenal record
sales, worldwide tours, nationally televised appearances, various awards, and
the recent renowned soundtrack, A Place At The Table, with T-Bone Burnett. The
sophomore jinx of being able to follow this success looms.
At first listen the song collection seems dark, dark like
the black and white album cover’s depiction of smoke and ruin. Dark like recent
rumors of their relationship running afoul due to internal strive between the
artists. But, wait for the second listen, the third, and so on. Artistically
there is light and growth here, both in music and message, while maintaining
the story line of relationship woes and folk genre blessings. Importantly, the
musical chemistry between White and Williams remains strong. This is evident in
their harmony, which continues to rise to new emotional heights.
Williams lilting, sorrowful voice begins the stories of
relationship woes, hurt, and sorrow in “The One That Got Away”. The magic of
the pair shows when the beat aggressively picks up and the duo joins in harmony.
“I Had Me A Girl” begins with fuzzy electric guitar and a harder sound while White
first then Williams following take the lead vocals in a bluesy song of remorse.
Again, it is the duo’s harmony that brings the listener much closer to the
song’s story.
A lighter sound begins “Some Old Same Old” storying the familiarity
of tired but true relationships. Throughout the collection soft, emotional
songs reign in “Dust To Dust”, “Eavesdrop” and “Disarm”. Emotion runs high in
“Sacred Heart” sung in French telling of the waiting and wanting of love.
There are a number of tunes, including “From This Valley”,
“Tell Mama”, and “Oh Henry” which are too country to be called folk and take
away from the aura built on the Barton Hallow album. We also miss White’s vocal
presence on these tunes.
“Devil’s Backbone” shines with the smoky story telling and harmony
which White and Williams have become known for. Finally “D’Arline” brings us back to what Barton Hallow
promised in soulful folk with the brilliant collaboration of White and
Williams.
There is something in the song collection that is earthy,
grounded, and full of life’s truths. Dark, yes but that is part of their story.
Folk, yes this is the best genre for this type of lyrical story since the blues
came to the forefront of music some 100 plus years back.
It is understood that self-titled albums contain the
standard, and occasionally the height of an artist’s output. Time will tell if
this will hold true for The Civil Wars. Sophomore jinx no, not here. There is
growth, truth in message, and thought-provoking story found in The Civil Wars.
Scott S Mertens
3 1/2 tocks
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