The Hudson Branch have just finished their first LP, Tightrope Walker and I have to say, it’s stunning. Shimmery and folksy, this collection of songs is such a fulfilled promise. I’ve been waiting for this album for months, teased by a few tracks on their MySpace page, and kept updated by regular emails from the band. They’re from just outside Chicago and although I’ve yet to see them live, I eagerly anticipate it, moreso now that I hear this fabulous record!

At times, throughout Tightrope Walker, I’m reminded of Bombadil’s Tarpits and Canyons. Perhaps it’s the dreamy vocals. Maybe it’s the tingly strings and keys. These tracks keep my head nodding, my toe tapping. Infused with jazz rhythms but standing solidly in indie-pop territory, songs like “Imbibe Then Enunciate” charms me into believing  that someone, somewhere loves me. And if you listen to “Be Minor” more than once you’ll swear Cobey Beinheart’s voice is angelic; even though it’s another of those songs where the percussion completely steals it away from the beautiful vocals. Starting out with tiny handclaps and building up to sticks on rims to light taps on drums and finally crashing cymbals and then down again to handclaps, you’re carried along into his dream, and yes, “it’s all in my head” is certainly the truest line of any song on this record.

“Don’t” is where I expect Bombadil to emerge the most, with their clashing piano. However, they don’t (ha!), of course. Instead we have a gorgeous harmony a la The Hudson Branch boys. Yes, it’s another of the kind of love songs that I love. Simple, but not simplistic, and a hanging final note that leaves you guessing in the most delicious way that matches the lyrics perfectly. I’ve given you “Down By The River” before, it’s a typically wonderful indie-folk song, the video’s down below. However, I have to tell you that the best song on this record, in my opinion, is “Clouds” It encapsulates all the elements of what makes The Hudson Branch a really good band, a band that sets them apart from the typical, local, unsigned gang of guys playing in a club. “Clouds” has a terrific melody, some beautiful guitar work and then that soaring vocal line that carries the whole thing up to the, well, to the clouds… just like the song lyrics say. See, when you write a song, you need to pay attention to what the lyrics say and make the chords and sounds match the words folks! I can’t tell you how many artists seem to not understand this simple fact. Evoke an image, for fuck’s sake! “Clouds” builds us a storm. It’s gorgeous in its effort and inspiring in its success.

I could go on, waxing poetic about how these songs make me feel and how this band is so very talented. In the end, the purpose of this post is simply to tell you one thing: go buy this album. You will not regret it. xoxo

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