Categories : Folk + Roots, Miscellany, Music Reviews, Rock + Pop, Top Rated.
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Rating: 4.5/5 Reviewer: Nathan Atnikov |
DeVotchKa simply has to be heard to be believed – and even then you might not believe that this foursome comes from Denver, Colorado. The band blends a bizarre and eclectic group of influences, ranging from Europe to South America, and ties it back together with a decidedly Americana folk foundation.
The band is sure to draw comparisons to New York’s gypsy-punkers Gogol Bordello, but they deserve better. Whereas Gogol couldn’t exist without their kitsch factor, DeVotchKa transcends theirs. The album’s opening tracks, ‘Basso Profundo’ and ‘Along the Way,’ play up the band’s Eastern leanings, with the former going so far as to open with melodic chanting. But as A Mad & Faithful Telling churns on, the band’s pop sensibilities and ability as pure pop songwriters takes centre stage.
‘Blessing in Disguise’ is a charming waltz with a take-home message that Chris Martin would kill for, while closer ‘A New World’ shows the band’s understanding of dramatic flair and storytelling – they did, after all, provide music to the films Everything is Illuminated and Little Miss Sunshine.
A Mad & Faithful Telling is perfect for exactly what it is, and what it isn’t – worldly without being pretentious, and adventurous without overreaching.
