Filed under: Reviews, Tunes | Tags: folk music, i saw across the sound, liv hauck, nut island, our humble cross, rocknrollboston, stone walls, the points north
Wearing my coziest sweater, I sit in front of a blazing bonfire in the middle of the woods with my most cherished friends. We sip hot apple cider spiked with Goldschlager while listening to harmonious folk tunes percolate through the smoky air. The music fades out and I open my eyes to survey the idyllic scene.
Wait. I’m not nestled in a perfect autumn evening fantasy. I’m sitting in the library with my headphones on listening to songs from I Saw Across the Sound, the new album by The Points North – the band that brought me to my reverie. Chris, Regina, and Dylan of the folk trio combine lilting flute lines, hushed drums, barebones guitar and mandolin, an assortment of other folksy instruments, and delicate harmonies to warm even the coldest New England soul. The musicians create a nostalgic sound without swaying into sentimentalville; quiet honesty prevails in I Saw Across the Sound.
“Nut Island” features the band’s signature amalgamation of Regina’s haunting voice resting perfectly into place with intimate vocals delivered by Chris. The simply yet beautifully played acoustic guitar and percussion undulates under the singers while a wistful flute line glides in and out of the music.
The album is touted as the ideal autumn soundtrack; however, I look forward to enjoying I Saw Across the Sound well into warm months. Songs from this album have a guaranteed spot on my summer road trip mix cd.
Download recommendations: “Stone Walls”, “Nut Island”, and “Our Humble Cross”
*Photos courtesy of the band’s myspace
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[...] and check out this cool folk band The Points North. I’m in love, and have been listening to them nonstop since their PR guy sent me their [...]
Pingback by Dessert or Disaster October 17, 2009 @ 3:22 pmNice choice… the band’s traditional song structures are fortified by vigorous rhythms that are often given a backseat in folk idioms. You are right about the lack of sentimentality; the band performs as if the songs have immediate meaning. Basically, they rock!
Comment by Tom October 17, 2009 @ 3:32 pmOoh, what powerfully evocative imagery- but so true! The sound is so interesting, really refreshing and honest. Love it.
Comment by Rachel October 18, 2009 @ 1:45 am*I Saw Across the Sound
Comment by DS CLARK October 18, 2009 @ 9:53 amYEAH!
Comment by Jason October 18, 2009 @ 1:10 pmgreat fucking band!
Comment by Marcy October 18, 2009 @ 3:30 pmYEAH!!
Comment by Sarah October 18, 2009 @ 10:07 pmNut Island is a flippin groundbreaking song. It’s in each of my last 6 studying-time playlists. Incredible.
Comment by Phil October 22, 2009 @ 3:21 am