Hush Arbors - Yankee Reality
by Carl Bookstein
published: 11 / 12 / 2009

Label:
Ecstatic Peace
Format: CD
intro
Poignant and dreamlike merging of folk, country and psychedelia produced by J Mascis on latest album from Hush Arbors, the project of Virginia-based musician Keith Wood
With 'Yankee Reality', the latest album by the Hush Arbors, an earthly and inviting musical landscape beckons. 'Yankee Reality' is a place where relevant indie rock rooted in the 1990s meets sun soaked pop from the 1960s. The effect is poignant, dreamlike and haunting. This is at once a sound filled with both hope and melancholy. The Hush Arbors is the project of singer songwriter and guitarist Keith Wood, with a full band in tow including multi instrumentalist Leon Dufficy, bassist Jason Ajemian and drummer Ryan Sawyer. Keith Wood was born in Charlottesville, Virginia and creates a sound that blends folk, country and psychedelia music. The producer is Dinosaur Jr. prodigy, J Mascis. Together they combine on “Yankee Reality” for a music of great beauty. 'Day Before' is a perfect opening number, comforting from the get go with fine guitar work and an appealing vocal. 'Lisbon' follows, an upbeat song that brings to mind the country influenced jangle of the Byrds. 'Lisbon' features a stinging guitar solo. 'Fast Asleep' is positively hypnotic, drawing the listener right in. 'So They Say' is both earthbound and ethereal, featuring Keith Wood’s gentle voice. The lyrics are poetic and wise: “See out past the water/Ain't it nice to see her shine again/So just look out past the shadows/cause my friend they will always be there.” 'One Way Ticket' has a slight piano line and an intoxicating atmosphere. Its lyrics are thoughtful and soul healing: “If I could remember a memory to make it all all right/to take away the broken steps and the senseless fights/If I could hear the voice that reminds me that everything is all right.” 'Coming Home' is a beautifully arranged number that goes from a two step country beat to something larger and more melodic. 'Sun Shall' brings to mind vintage Velvet Underground. Ominous guitar accompanies a somewhat bleak sound: “The sun shall no longer know your name.” 'Take It Easy' is a low key breezy country number: “No need for all this rambling and wasting all my time.” 'For While You Slept' flows with rich and full bodied Instrumentation. On 'Devil Made You High' the band is powerfully in synch with this guitar based tune and strong album closer. On 'Yankee Reality' the Hush Arbors weave a lovely down to earth tapestry of music- an album that delivers.
Track Listing:-
1 Day Before2 Lisbon
3 Fast Asleep
4 So They Say
5 One Way Ticket
6 Coming Home
7 Sun Shall
8 Take It Easy
9 For While You Slept
10 Devil Made You High
reviews |
Hush Arbors (2008) |
![]() |
Surprisingly oftena brasive alternative folk from Hush Arbors, the project of Virginian musician Keith Wood who has on this album collaborated with Six Organs of Admittance and Comets on Fire guitarist Ben Chasny |
most viewed articles
current edition
John McKay - InterviewCathode Ray - Interview
Robert Forster - Interview
When Rivers Meet - Waterfront, Norwich, 29/5/2025
Spear Of Destiny - Interview
Fiona Hutchings - Interview
Carl Ewens - David Bowie 1964 to 1982 On Track: Every Album, Every Song
Chris Wade - Interview
Shrag - Huw Stephens Session 08.12.10 and Marc Riley Session 21.03.12
Brian Wilson - Ten Songs That Made Me Love...
most viewed reviews
current edition
Peter Doolan - I Am a Tree Rooted to the Spot and a Snake Moves Around Me,in a CircleVinny Peculiar - Things Too Long Left Unsaid
Garbage - Let All That We Imagine Be The Light
Vultures - Liz Kershaw Session 16.06.88
John McKay - Sixes and #Sevens
Little Simz - Lotus
HAIM - I Quit
Pulp - More
Lapsley - I'm a Hurricane, I'm a Woman In Love
Billy Nomates - Metalhorse
Pennyblackmusic Regular Contributors
Adrian Janes
Amanda J. Window
Andrew Twambley
Anthony Dhanendran
Benjamin Howarth
Cila Warncke
Daniel Cressey
Darren Aston
Dastardly
Dave Goodwin
Denzil Watson
Dominic B. Simpson
Eoghan Lyng
Fiona Hutchings
Harry Sherriff
Helen Tipping
Jamie Rowland
John Clarkson
Julie Cruickshank
Kimberly Bright
Lisa Torem
Maarten Schiethart