O,
Loveland – S/T EP (Independent)
Together since 2011, Amy Boykin and Clark Jones - the
duo who comprise O, Loveland - have been busy honing their songwriting and
performance skills. Their debut self-titled EP features five songs which, in
some ways, transport the listener back to simpler, less complicated times, and
it’s hardly surprising that they’re being compared to The Civil Wars and the
Avett Brothers. I can see the similarities, but for me O, Loveland seem far
more contemporary in both their presentation and overall sound, although their
rootsy material and country flecked songs hark back to the Virginia hills,
there’s a knowing, alternative, indie edge to what they do that separates them
from the pack.
The first of the five tracks is the splendid “Vineyard”.
A frantically strummed guitar holds rhythm and melody together while both
Boykin and Jones sing lead and in harmony. On “Black
Crow” they slow things down, and their imagery brings to mind Joanna
Newsom and Sharron Kraus; it’s followed by “Love Return”,
which keeps things unhurried, though its themes are altogether
different. “The Hunt” and “Give” finish things off – the latter has had a video
produced for its promotion, which is almost as heartwarming as the song.
Phil S.
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