Unless an album is simply a masterpiece it will have
highs and lows. This album really sets a very high
standard to every song which makes the highs of the
album hard to discern as excellent above the rest. It
is such an easy album to get lost in, with a few songs
which keep you clicking the rewind button over and
over.
Opening with "When in Rome," I was brought
into the CD immediately by the uptempo swagger of the
song and the sheer tightness of the tune. As always the
harmonies are flawless, wild and well blended. Another
of the distinguished highpoints of the album is
"Helena," having an emotional and musical
build which climaxes in a highly anticipated drum
entrance. Following "When in Rome" is
"Someone Like You" which seems to correlate
with "Helena" lyrics-wise with a bitter
post-separation dread. These songs truly are the
highlights of the album for me.
The slower songs are mostly "sweet" musically
with the exception of "Eveline" with has a
very distinctive heavy tone which undoubtably gives the
entire song a very eerie overtone.
In addition to "Eveline," "Can't
Complain" carries a unique electronic element not
found elsewhere in the album. It is very slight but
still a noticeable portion of the album which spices up
the otherwise organic sound.
The brief story "Anthony" is also a unique
portion of the album carrying a slightly 1920's
tune with a repetitive riff to accent the repetitive
'Anthony's heard throughout.
As if to appease my love for instrumentals, Scotch and
Chocolate fills the void with a very fiery breakout and
finish. The instruments are extremely tight and it
truly reveals the unique quilt of musicianship that is
Nickel Creek.
The lowest point of the album has to be "Best of
Luck" simply because it sounds like an attempt to
write inside of a genre. The overprocessed, clicheed
female vocals along with the chorus' predictable
melody only serve to degrade from the album. It
isn't a bad song, but truly could have been omitted
from what is otherwise an excellent album.
Those who value the hard right and left guitar/mandolin
with center violin balance of Nickel Creek will be
delighted at first listen. With the similar panning of
the voices it literally feels like you are sitting at a
campfire with the Sean Sara and Chris.