Vetiver - To Find Me Gone

  by Jon Rogers

published: 29 / 5 / 2006

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Review

Whatever some advertising exec has thought up this week, the loose collective of musicians focused around Andy Cabic probably don't give a fuck. Cabic, one time housemate of Devendra Banhart (who makes a guest appearance), on this Vetiver's second album, has really found his forte. 'To Find Me Gone'is a collection of gorgeously soft, whispy songs that although soothing are more stimulating and envigorating rather than somnamublistic. The album was largely written on the road whilst Cabic was touring with Banhart and that environment goes to the heart of the record with its themes of travel, departure and arrival; even dislocation. The album's title effectively sums it all up. Musically there are heavy shades of the pastoral folk of Fairport Convention and Pentangle along with the 70s West Coast rock scene of Neil Young and Harry Nilsson and a touch of Creedence Clearwater Revival. There's even a hint or two of Bob Dylan at his most mellifluous and contemplative. Songs like 'I Know No Pardon' and opener 'Been So Long' hardly break the rules of this musical genre but give it a tidy up and a fresh coat of paint and are beautiful exercises on masterful songwriting. Vetiver can pick up the pace when required too. 'Red Lantern Girls'and the closing 'Down at El Rio' can shake a leg when required, although admittedly they probably need a lie down afterwards. For the most part 'To Find Me Gone'is a languorous, dream-like record, one that lingers in the mind well after it has finished and, as such, is a little gem of a find.

Track Listing:-

1 Been so Long
2 You May Be Blue
3 No One Word
4 Idle Ties
5 I Know No Pardon
6 Maureen
7 The Porter
8 Double
9 Red Lantern Girls
10 Won't Be Me
11 Down at El Rio