Farewells - Litterbug

by Andy Cassidy

published: 12 / 10 / 2011

Label: Farewells
Format: CDS

Evocative, but yet undemanding seven track EP from Boston-based duo, the Farewells

Review

'Litterbug 'is the second release from Boston duo the Farewells. A seven track EP, it follows 2002’s 'The Shady Tree', their first album which they released under the name of Linnane. The duo are Peter and Samantha Linnane, with Peter providing the musical input and Samantha providing vocal harmonies. The EP begins with 'Beehive', a slow-paced track with pump organ and guitars backing Peter and Samantha’s excellent harmonies. The complex vocal arrangement is the true star of the song, with overdubbed vocals providing the illusion of multiple harmony parts. It’s slow, sweet and sufficiently left-field to whet one’s appetite for more. 'Lovesick', the second track, is a simple production with a polished vocal from Peter over a straightforward backing track. It’s not the most exciting song in the world, but it’s agreeable enough, and enjoyable in an undemanding way. Lyrically, the song is one of the best on the EP – I was especially charmed by the opening line, “I built a scarecrow out of suspicion.” Title track 'Litterbug' is a mellow, bluesy piece with an effective backing of guitar and hand-claps. The steady rhythm is mildly hypnotic, slowly building to a relatively heavy refrain with distorted guitars and more fantastic harmonies from Samantha. 'Burgundy Red' is a Brecht and Weil style plodder with a lead vocal from Samantha and a deep production featuring guitars, bass, piano, accordian and percussion. Indeed, this track is probably the most fully realised production on the disc, and I found that its relative complexity elevated it above the remainder of the songs on the EP. The last track, 'Biking Song', is a gentle instrumental with picked guitar work taking the lead. I found it particularly evocative and it made me think of autumn bicycle rides and falling leaves. It’s a suitable end to the EP – understated and subtle. The overall feel of this EP is one of relaxation – there are no big solos or dramatic drum fills. This mood, while undemanding, makes for a pleasant and effortless listening experience. It’s not quite easy listening, but it’s certainly easy to listen to. Personally, I would generally opt for something a little more confrontational or demanding, but that is not to say that there is no place for this EP. This is safe music, but there is sufficient quality to hint at greater things to come – the duo certainly have the technical ability to play edgier material, but whether they have the material itself remains to be seen.