Vetiver - Between

  by Anthony Dhanendran

published: 19 / 5 / 2005

Label: Di Cristani
Format: CDS

intro

Slow, melodic alt-country rock on new EP from Vetiver, the group of Virginian Andy Cabic, which also features the much acclaimed Devendra Banhart on guitar

Vetiver is the project of Andy Cabic, and is probably best known also for being the side group of Devendra Banhart who plays guitar in it. Unlike Banhart’s crazed hippy schtick, Vetiver specialise in a slow, melodic alt-country vibe. 'Between Bridges' the gap between their two long-players, the second one not yet recorded. The EP was recorded, the sleeve notes say, "whenever and where ever possible" including live shows, radio sessions and Cabic’s own living room. The EP opens with its strongest track, 'Been So Long'. Even missing the distinctive flute part that graces the live version of this song, it’s quite beautiful. Andy Cabic’s languid vocals drift over the top of a slow strummed guitar part. The lyrics follow the standard form of singing about longing and desire, but it’s no less pretty for that. It is followed by a cover of Fleetwood Mac’s 'Save Me A Place', which is pleasant enough, but doesn’t quite reach the heights of the first song. 'Busted (Brokedown Version)' is a much more rough-and-ready song, but ploughing the same alt-country furrow. 'Maureen', accompanied by authentic crowd noise, is a live version of another new song. It’s a slow lament to love, or rather, one particular manifestation of it, in the form of the eponymous Maureen. The closing track, 'Belles', appears on the band’s first, self-titled, album. The EP bills itself as a hint to where the band’s second album will be heading. If that’s the case, no great innovations are to be expected, but this is undeniably good music made by talented and accomplished musicians.

Track Listing:-