On Tap: Viburnum: no, not the beer, the album by Oweihops. Again, not the beer.

Viburnum

Despite what you think, instead of this being a sparkling review of a great micro brew, it is in fact a stunning review of the best folk coming out of North East USA.

I have been holding onto reviewing this album and as you can see by the post title, I must have been struggling with that part as well.  The only reason the title works (for me at least) is knowing that Oweihops likes him some great micro brew.  I know this because I (more or less) know Oweihops and consider him a friend of mine (hell, we are Facebook friends, we must be close!).  No, seriously, I have been in touch with Michael Metivier, you know him as Oweihops, for years now in discussions on his music as Oweihops, other music and overall just online bullshit that people talk about.  So yeah, he is a good guy, with a hell of a good track record for great sweeping folk tracks based out of his Massachusetts home.

Metivier records music that you feel like you already know, it is warm, organic, honest, gorgeous all while painting mental images of wheat fields in rural MA and favourite watering holes with friends.   Songs often have themes of nature, birds, life and what could be his surroundings.  His latest album is titled “Viburnum” and it is another winner and keeps on with a flare for shrubbery.  Yes you read that correct, Viburnum (the genus of various shrubs/trees) follows his previous album “Cinquefoil” (a plant/flower prone to 5 leaves and vaguely related to a rose).  See what I mean by organic?  Definitely a theme which does translate to his acoustic song selections.  The music created is one that seems real, it isn’t overly produced – there is no flash or mash up with Lil Wayne in the works – and this is a very good thing.  In these times where people grab their music in handfuls and keep only the 5 seconds of fame tracks, Oweihops comes as some of the most refreshing music I have heard in a long time.  This is an album that you don’t get throw-aways and filler – it is rich with stories and what life is when you slow it all down.

Take “These Passerines” as your first example of the album.  The infusion of cello, acoustic guitar and light percussion together builds a lament that feels like dusk in the middle of nowhere.  A nowhere where you look up through the branches up to the sky above while you wait for a new day.  The cello in this track (and the album for that matter) just kills me!

“These Passerines” – Oweihops, from 2009’s Viburnum

Secondly, you have “Proximity” which is a bit more up tempo, but still at half speed for most folks.  This one feels more like Metivier standing up and singing to those around him – he sounds purposeful and possibly the best I have heard in a while.  This song is a straight forward acoustic number, but sometimes that is where you find the best music – right there, hitting you in the face.  It comes in at just under 3 minutes and that is the only fault I have with it.  This song could be played 10 years ago, today and will be played in 10 years.

“Proximity” – Oweihops, from 2009’s Viburnum.

I am definitely biased with this album – but I think knowing Metivier isn’t colouring my review, but enforcing that I do like it and that it is a favourite for the year.  In hearing the progression of the album by being privy to demos as well prior to the official versions, the album has grown with me this year to bloom this fall (definitely a fall album).  So if you need an album to enjoy the cooler air and shorter days, grab a blanket and head to the porch with your headphones and this album, you will not be disappointed.

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~Smansmith