The Civil Wars - Barton Hollow CD Cardboard gatefold sleeve

AllMusic Review

Barton Hollow Review by Andrew Leahey

Joy Williams and John Paul White arent a couple, but they certainly sound like theyre in love, singing together with the sort of familiarity that only seems to exist between couples and siblings. On Barton Hollow, their studio debut as the Civil Wars, the two trace each others melodies with close harmonies that never fail to lose their romance, even on breakup tunes like Falling. Its an organic, folk-pop sound not unlike the one made by the Swell Season, another boy/girl duo with a talent for making heartbreaking Americana. If the Civil Wars are Americas answer to that band, then Poison & Wine is their Falling Slowly. An aching, gorgeous tribute to a relationship on the rocks, its one of the few tracks to include more than an acoustic guitar, with some piano and soft drums also making their way into the mix. Even so, the focus remains on the bands vocals, which are easily the best instruments on Barton Hollow. Those who dont like rootsy ballads are in for some slim pickings, since Barton Hollow shines its brightest whenever the tempos slow, the lights dim, and the voices rise up. But the title track, with its outlaw lyrics and swanky Southern groove, is a nice change from the norm, and Ive Got This Friend finds a balance between both camps. Good stuff.

6009143495432

CDJUST513

Sensibility, 2011

Country: SOUTH AFRICA

Good condition

C09