Felice Brothers - Celebration, Florida

  by Daniel Cressey

published: 8 / 6 / 2011

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On their latest album the much-lauded Felice Brothers for the most part abandon their folk take on things and lurch into darker territory. Not that the brothers have been shy of darkness in the past, but previous songs detailing criminality and vice have been twisted by their raucous mastery of fiddles, accordions, washboards and other backwaters instruments into upbeat sing-a-longs. Much of 'Celebration, Florida' eschews these elements, forging a more chaotic and layered set of rock songs. Their scope has also expanded, or maybe just focused on bigger targets. While past numbers might detail a small-town shooting or love affair, this album takes on the biggest fish in the American pond. 'Cus’s Catskill Gym' gloriously surveys the career of Kid Dynamite, Iron Mike Tyson himself, pleading for him to “stay away from Don King” before longing for the fiery destruction of the Las Vegas strip. In a similar vein, the single ‘Ponzi’ takes a softly, softly look at the financial crisis that evolves into an all out electronica tune that will be somewhat shocking to fans of the band’s previous sound. Closing track ‘River Jordan’ grows from quiet mournfulness into a monstrous tune with Ian Felice howling “fuck the news, fuck the house of blues, fuck my whole career”. Those who wanted more of the same from this immensely talented band may moan that this is what they are trying to do with their new direction. But 'Celebration, Florida' is a glorious and refreshing change from a band clearly unafraid to walk down whichever road they choose.

Track Listing:-

1 Fire At The Pageant
2 Container Ship
3 Honda Civic
4 Oliver Stone
5 Ponzi
6 Back In The Dancehalls
7 Dallas
8 Cus's Catskill Gym
9 Refrain
10 Best I Ever Had
11 River Jordan

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