Lewis & Clarke – Bare Bones & Branches

Originally released in 2003, “Bare Bone and Branches” was a pleasent surprise to me this year. Not many bloggers were talking about this band or their fantastic album. I think it is one of the most underrated US releases all year.

–From Lewis and Clarke website:

With Bare Bones and Branches, Lewis & Clarke deliver a timeless and masterful debut full-length, taking us to the place between the clouds and the cold hard ground…to the desolate field of roots and marrow where dreams blur and we face our essence. Lou Rogai invites us along with a formidable musical search party to reveal rich layers of restful splendour and unimitable nuance. It is the soundtrack of where nothing ends and everything begins…a glimpse into the soul.

My friend Pete was the one who got me into this band. I think the above quote hits the nail on the head in terms of how I feel about this album. This album sounds so amazing on headphones, so if you’ve got this album and a nice set of headphones you’re in for a real treat. Even if you don’t have headphones, do yourself a favor and check out this album if you haven’t gotten the chance.

Bare Bones & BranchesMP3

What the critics say:

“a gifted newcomer” -MAGNET

“honest and direct,yet striking a perfect balance with lyric ambiguity, Rogai appears to be a major young talent-in-the-making.” -StereoType

“This group is spot-on…meandering melodies on a spool of reflective vocal lines,and sometimes unorthadox song structures that are cause for pause and deep exhale. ‘Bloody Coat’ is the standout song to be reckoned with, like an up-tempo visit to Scarborough Fair.” -Rockpile

“Performed here to the hilt with sincerity and authenticity…with maturity and enough perspective and respect for the song to never overplay. It’s a mournful, slow burning sound that will never tire,never go out of fashion…the music just floats to you like its always been there,and always will be. Rogai’s voice adds tons of character to everything he sings…blurring the lines between vocalization and instrumentation. It works brilliantly.”
-Delusions of Adequacy

“The real deal, the demons, insecurities and voices that reside in the dark caverns of the psyche and drive one to create incredible music, incredible art.” -Heckler

“you haven’t seen it in any form. It’s time-friendly, interpretively communicative and complete. It’s the little black dress of music when the Stones flash a few too many sequins… honest, and terribly desirable.” -Lumino

“Deep thundering dreams so preferable to the waking life that we are left in confused but earnest apathy…he turns the dust of common words into moving laments…and lassoes a new sort of metaphysical slacker.”
-Splendid

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You can see the rest of my 2005 favorites (so far) by clicking here.