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.

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