Port O'Brien Threadbare (City Slang)
4/5
By: Stephen Maughan
I like it when a dreamer boyfriend and his pretty girlfriend form a band together - as long as they avoid the overly-cute feel (Matt and Kim being the obvious example) and can actually play and sing together well, it brings out the old romantic in me. When I heard these two kids were from a small Alaskan community, and Van Pierszalowski spends his summers working with his dad catching salmon on a fishing boat, while his girlfriend Cambria Goodwin works at the local baker,y I took an instant liking to them. The world is full of arrogant rock stars, we need more people like this! Still, a good story can only get you so far, unless of course your name is Bon Iver, and what really counts is the music.
It might be just as interesting if the songs were about the time Van and his dad caught a big fish, or how Cambria burnt the gingerbread men one day, but what we have is a sweet collection of introspective, honest, and at times sombre tunes which will sparkle throughout the winter months.
Port O'Brien is not the kind of band you are going to play at a party, you've got Little Boots for that, but Threadbare is for when the dark November nights are setting in and you are all alone. It gives you hope, despite the tragedy behind every note. It's worth noting this is a sad album, the passing of Goodwin's brother who died just before the recording of this album is felt at every turn, “Have to learn to live through, dark will always come” she sings in 'High Without the Hope'.
But what sets this apart from other gloomy folk records, is that not only is it beautifully played, it's the acceptance and contentment which lurks through the tragedy. 'In the meantime' is particularly impressive, while the triumphant 'My Will is Good' will send goosebumps straight to your heart. Port O'Brien will do well with this album, despite the occasional clunky and overplayed feel, at times it's really is quite breathtaking.
Artists in this article: Port O'Brien
Your Feedback
Login to post your comment