The Gobblers Knob

Man, there have been a ton of great records released this year that can be placed into the relatively ambiguous class of “modern folk” or “acoustic pop”, or whatever. We have seen the records from The Low Anthem, Langhorne Slim, The Swell Season and A.A. Bondy, among others, already considered to be among many peoples favorite records of the year. One such group that employs a similar feel and will hopefully get a good bit of “end-of-year” chatter directed towards them is Blind Pilot (Official / Myspace). Their recent release, 3 Rounds and  Sound (Exponged), maintains a consistent, warm and well-worn vibe throughout.

Not to harp on the large amount of quality records that may or may not be “modern folk” (many of you who read regularly know that I am bad with genre classifications), but, it is encouraging to be able to read other blogs and magazines and see the Blind Pilot’s and Low Anthem’s of the world getting some love as “buzz-worthy” types of acts. I will admit to being mildly annoyed by the constant stream of laptop-toting-hispter, and Urban Outfitter-loving acts that seem to dominate the world of “buzz” (Passion Pit and Girl Talk, I’m looking at you), and it’s refreshing to know that a band can still remain somewhat unplugged and organic in order to gain attention. OK, got that out, I’m fine now…

Even though acoustic arrangements dominate the album, of course, there are a few surprises thrown in for good measure. Trumpets are dusted off in “Oviedo”, and a xylophone is tickled in “Paint or Pollen”, both to pleasing effect. I often think of the primary vocalist as possessing the primary instrument that carries the real weight of the album, and that is definitely true in this case. Israel Nebeker deftly and effortlessly flows from tune to tune and is chiefly responsible for the albums warmth that I mentioned earlier. With Nebeker’s performance tying the collection together, I can’t say there will be any reason to skip a track.

LISTEN: Blind Pilot’s Daytrotter Session