Many plates have the same structure. They start with a few uptempo pieces, then slow down some throttle, to end with a series of solid bouncers. Anyone who deviates from that, as The Low Anthem does on his second album, immediately creates confusion. Oh My God, Charlie Darwin starts with three beautiful pastoral folk songs, then suddenly switches to raw trash blues, somewhere between (whose Home
… I'll Never Be they cover) and Bruce Springsteen, followed by some more subdued pieces. That almost schizophrenic quality makes The Low Anthem one of the more exciting members of the retro artist branch who conquered the alternative music world in the noughties. At the same time, this band from the unsurpassed label Bella Union also has the same qualities as their stable mates , , and : a sense of timeless melodies, combined with the urgency of an eager young band. (MS)more
