in the vines - album review - EU Jacksonville 10/18/07

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in the vines

by brenton crozier

Artist:
Castanets

Title:
In the Vines

Release Date:
10.23.07

Label:
Asthmatic Kitty

      The sound of In the Vines by Castanets possesses a country-folk outlaw aura that conjures up thoughts of Smog and Will Oldham while delicately evoking Woody Guthrie and Bob Dylan. Castanets revolve around singer/songwriter Raymond Raposa, who happens to have an intriguing biography of isolation, abandonment and misfortune. A “who’s who” list of indie rockers have contributed to a revolving cast that includes and has included Sufjan Stevens, members of Pinback and members of Rocket from the Crypt.
      Each song is deceptively layered, one of many signs of the brilliant production of this album. In the Vines is not just another interesting foray into folk constructed around staggering minimalism and out-of-place Moog interjections. It is a visceral experience that is emotionally attached to the real world. There is a strong correlation in the attitude and composition of Raposa’s work to that of Chan Marshall’s of Cat Power (In large part prior to her latest release, The Greatest). However, Marshall’s music has never achieved the same balance of depth and accessibility.
      This album is moving, beautiful, haunting and honest. Fans of everyone from Smog, Will Oldham and Tom Waits to Wilco, Cat Power and Iron & Wine should add this album to their collection. Be sure to actively listen and immerse yourself. While it’s not driving or party music, it is the first album I will reach for on a rainy Sunday. I imagine if Christina’s World by Andrew Wyeth had a sound, it would be In the Vines by Castanets.

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