Avett Brothers

I and Love and You  Sony ****

First thing you notice about this is that it was produced by Rick Rubin – and, considering the amount of big-name offers he turns down on a daily basis, expectations run high. The Avett Brothers are a three-piece folk-inflected band with something of Townes Van Zandt about them.

There are gentle piano intros, well-worked-out harmonies and some solid-gold balladry here. Gram Parsons would have been proud of the title track, while January Wedding(complete with excellent banjo) is a mini classic in waiting. Highlight here is the superb Head Full of Doubt/Road Full of Promise, a sombre, lyrical affair executed with some aplomb. Located somewhere in between Waylon Jennings and The Band, this is too good to just call alt.Americana. There's a rare depth and skilful use of musical atmosphere here. Acquaint yourself with this gem of an album.

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Download tracks: Head Full Of Doubt, I And Love And You