The Avett Brothers - I And Love And You

The Avett Brothers have become a cult institution in their native USA through a decade of relentless touring. Hard work paid off with their latest major label debut, which has the  quasi-folk/acoustic/rock/pop band releasing what is surely their best album to date.

If you too see through the thin veneer that is the indie-folk 'movement' that has taken the world -- or at least Australia -- by storm, then you may just have your antidote in the form of the Avett Brothers. With Mumford & Sons topping out this year's Hottest 100, a cookie-cutter style has taken the spotlight of contemporary acoustic music, and if the lack of musicality inherent to this style gets you down (cue edgy banjo), then the major label debut from this North Carolina group is worth a look.

In addition to signing with Columbia Records, their debut outing for the imprint sees Rick Rubin take the production helms. Rubin, in addition to being co-head of the label, is the producer behind (among many others) Johnny Cash's American series, known for his stripped-back style that favours a minimalist approach without extraneous accompaniments.

And so this entire production ethos is summed up brilliantly on the stark title track to "I And Love And You". Opening with no more than piano and vocals the track artfully builds to a crescendo that eventually includes organ, cello and drums. As you quickly learn from the 13 tracks, vocals form the essence of the Avett Brothers. Standing out clearly in front of each track, the melodies and harmonies created by Scott and Seth, the namesake brothers in the four-piece, are given room to breath out front with a distinct separation from the instrumentation, without sounding disconnected or overdubbed.

This partnership is delightfully explored in "Ten Thousand Words". The brothers weave an intricate tapestry with their bluegrass harmonies, while dueling acoustic guitars create a bed of sound that, come the solos, quickly matches the vocals for sheer beauty. And you're going to be hard-pressed finding a more beautiful acoustic track this year.

It's hard to pigeonhole these guys anywhere. Despite a focus on acoustic melodies and indeed acoustic instrumentation dominating, the Avett Brothers aren't afraid to play with other genres. The punk-pop "Kick Drum Heart" stands out, and the jangly "Slight Figure Of Speech" sounds like it could be a cut off any of (recently separated) Melbourne indie darlings The Lucksmiths' albums. "Tin Man" would take the form of a standard rock number, if it weren't for the polka tuba bassline. The sublime love song (amongst many outstanding love songs) in "Laundry Room" is fits square into the middle of it all, until ending the number with a killer hoedown from left-field.

One thing that does stand out is an inherent blueness to most tracks. It's not sad by any stretch, but a melancholic tinge does rise up, even from the most upbeat tracks of the album. It's a subtle flavouring like this that gives "I And Love And You" an edge that separates it from most.

Australian audiences might draw comparisons to Bernard Fanning's solo work. It's the depth to which each player knows his role in the group that makes these guys shine. Recording and touring for a decade before being picked up by Columbia, they've amassed an impressive cult following on the independent scene, and they've certainly not sold that away . Or rather, they had the guidance and expertise of a producer in Rick Rubin, who knew why he signed the Avett Brothers, and knew his job was to let them play to their strengths rather than mould them into a commercial-friendly outfit.

The Avett Brothers' "I And Love And You" sees its Australian release February 19th. And then a month or so later they'll be out in Australia for Byron Bay's Bluesfest, also playing small sideshows in Sydney and Melbourne.

Friday 2 April,                       Byron Bay Bluesfest
Saturday 3 April,                 Byron Bay Bluesfest
Monday 5 April,                  Factory Theatre, Sydney NSW
 Tuesday 6 April,                 Prince Bandroom, Melbourne VIC