The Advocate
Iron & Wine's Modern Folk Wows ListenersFriday, March 18, 2011 By Alyssa Davanzo - News Editor
If there is one thing that cannot be said about Sam Beam, also known to many fans of folk music as Iron & Wine, it is that he is static artist. He doesn’t stick to one set formula throughout his records and the latest addition to his body of work may be the most drastic step that he’s taken in his entire career. Iron & Wine’s first two records ("The Creek Drank The Cradle" and "Our Endless Numbered Days") focused primarily on just Beam and his guitar, creating tender acoustic songs thriving from his tranquil vocals and simple, gentle strumming. "The Shepherd’s Dog" exhibited Beam’s willingness to expand his musical boundaries while embracing a full-band type setting, combining elements of jazz, African and Indian tribal music, and folk to produce arguably his most accomplished work to date. On his fourth LP, "Kiss Each Other Clean," Beam brings in the new decade with another alteration to his musical vision, generating an album centered on more straight-forward pop tendencies. Although "Kiss Each Other Clean" may seem like a step backwards to faithful Iron & Wine fans, due to its ventures into commercial territory in terms of approach and overall sound, the components of Beam’s music that fans originally adored are still present throughout the new record: his whispery voice, delicate guitar work, as well as beautiful harmonies and lyrics. With the gravity of a first impression of introducing listeners to Iron & Wine’s latest LP, "Walking Far From Home" delivers on a momentous level, deriving itself from a simple chord progression, piercing background vocals, and Beam’s own preaching voice. Though the song sounds soft, the imagery depicted from the lyrics can at times sound depressing – "I saw sunlight on the water/ Saw a bird fall like a hammer from the sky." "Tree By The River" is a deceitful song that echoes some of the most mature works of The Beach Boys, almost like a lighter-sounding "Caroline No" from "Pet Sounds." While the song creates a tranquil mood musically, it is lyrically shadowed by an adult’s painful reflection on a past teenage relationship. One can easily detect a sense of longing and regret cleverly hidden within the exceptionally comforting harmonies. "Godless Brother In Love" is another summertime ballad that flourishes from perhaps one of the greatest vocal performances in Iron & Wine’s entire catalog. Infesting itself with gentle guitar picking, striking piano playing and soft background hums, Beam manages to create one of most gorgeous songs of his career. For Iron & Wine fans that have been faithful to Beam’s previous work, "Kiss Each Other Clean" may seem like a stark contrast to what they are typically accustomed to hearing. His fourth album certainly offers the most commercially-produced tracks in his song collection and may be considered a record of alienation from his loyal fan base, a daring move for Beam. While "Kiss Each Other Clean" may serve as a moment of confusion and separation for Iron & Wine fans, few can deny that Beam’s sincerity that has made him a prominent figure in modern folk is lacking on his fourth LP. Experimentation and evolution in musical vision should not be criticized if great music is the outcome. No one but Beam himself knows which musical horizon he’ll venture to next. And that’s how artists keep it interesting. Rating: 4 out of 5 stars |