Tight Knit (Bonus Track Version)

iTunes Review

Vetiver's Andy Cabic (who most notably has worked alongside Devendra Banhart) evokes the world and aura of an early '70s singer-songwriter like no other. His smoky unassuming voice recalls the romantic sway of Eric Andersen's Blue River and his gently lulling rhythms and gorgeously acoustic orchestrated tunes never give away a contemporary nod. It might as well be 1972. Yet, Vetiver is never actually "retro." Tight Knit, Vetiver's fourth studio album, is its most accomplished and full-bodied, benefiting from simple, but well-recorded production. Vetiver's previous album, 2008's Thing of the Past was a collection of mostly obscure cover songs that indicated the ensemble's deep influences — from Loudon Wainwright III and Townes Van Zandt to Michael Hurley and Iain Matthews. Here, those influences are internalized and tracks such as the lushly exuberant "Rolling Sea," the jaunty, shuffle of "Everyday," the Cabic-only "Down from Above," and the nearly as sparse "On the Other Side" reflect a laid-back vision of the world that's as soothing as it is of its own time and place.