The Sweet Fruit of Summer
by
dmblake
From the very first note of Praying For The Bell you know that Larkin Poe means business on Summer an EP. As its second release, the aptly titled Summer shows Larkin Poe’s progress as a band since the release of Spring an EP earlier this year and proves a perfect soundtrack for late summer. Carefully listening to Sea Song, it is clear this band is becoming a more cohesive unit: Daniel Kimbro’s bass lays a foundation for the entrance of a mandolin and guitar hook with lap steel accents, carried by the perfectly controlled drums of Chad Melton. Wrestling With a Stranger is a surprising departure from Larkin Poe’s typical sound and subject matter, delivering a groove-laden foray into the edges of social criticism. Guitarist Mike Seal’s electric tone takes center stage on Natalie with an instant melodic hook, but easily lends itself to the strength of the brilliant melody effused by Rebecca’s unmistakeable voice. Though it is Megan Lovell’s only solo writing contribution to this album, Enough For You is both its most dangerous track and Rebecca Lovell’s best vocal performance on the record (the third chorus is a must-hear). Rebecca will have to be careful where she looks while singing this song of tenacious desire for an elusive lover, and the listener must take care not to get his heartstrings caught in the razor-sharp dobro playing featured in the instrumental hooks. Closing out the EP with the pervasive new musical and lyrical depth of Larkin Poe is By The Pier: a perfect end to this too-brief EP, featuring Mike Seal’s deftly played piano and classical guitar. When the final note sounds, you’re left with a feeling that this is a band you won’t be forgetting. Each member is finding their groove and playing as part of a band.
It is difficult to say anything unfavorable about this EP, but if there is a downfall it is that Mike Seal’s instrumentation, while expertly played, sometimes overshadows the other members' instrumentation. One thing that has set Larkin Poe apart is the mix of bluegrass instrumentation in an R&B setting—a feature that nearly takes a backseat on Summer. While Megan and Rebecca’s instruments are not as salient on this release, it is a delight to see both expanding and refining their lyrical palette. The strengths of the two Lovell sisters combine to deliver the consistent and powerful metaphor at work on Praying For the Bell, with lines such as, “O grim reaper stay away from me, tell me how do you think it’s fair to bury hearts so casually?” and, “my heart’s six feet down with my ear to the ground, praying for the bell to ring,” adroitly portraying heartbreak as a kind of death laced with the hope that a love-broken heart can love again. Rebecca ventures alone into social issues on Wrestling With A Stranger and paints vivid descriptive imagery on By The Pier. Just as a seashell can bring you the sound of the ocean, this song brings you the golden sunset at the end of a child-like summer day. Of course, the best part of this EP is that it is only the second of four planned EPs and Larkin Poe is already hitting their stride.
The writing is better, the playing is tighter, and the price is unbeatable. Buy It. Now.
