Okkervil River – Away

Okkervil River have had quite a few albums in the myriad of folk-rock bands on the indie scene right now. They are not the only option, but that said, Away, like previous albums, is good folk and is a psychedelic option, not like all other folk.

This release is really impressive, and very much like older material. Southern style depression and modern indie wit in Away bring the new style of sarcastic blues-folk in alt right now to a new generation of fans. Not necessarily better than previous releases, but just as inspired and with original ingenuity.

It begins and continues in a boldly soulful and unconventional blues guitar approach. “The Industry” is really interesting, and impressive, with some good folksy style and soulful wailing.

Some low-end bass and hymns of differing speeds as well. “Okkervil River R.I.P.”, for instance, has really good picking and hymn. “Call Yourself Renee” has violin, then there is the energetic joy of “Judey on a Street” in which are amazing trippy drums and the lyrics, “I’m gonna hit on that drum,” and best of all is the spirit of “Comes Indiana Through The Smoke”.

Away has at times strangely muddy sounds and stranger lyrics, but if not a renovation of their sound or the best folk rock out there, definitely the most atmospheric. Okkervil River are heading in the right direction, which is seemingly Indiana.