The Lumineers by The Lumineers (Dual Tone / Dine Alone Records) 04.03.12
For the past month, my daily routine has warped to the tune of The Lumineers’ self-titled debut album—the strongest debut album I’ve heard in a while.
Investing four years of writing, three years of home recording, two EPs and later re-recordings, the trio of Wesley Schultz (guitar, vocals), Jeremiah Fraites (rhythm) and (cello, mandolin, piano) have created a substantial and wholly immersive listening experience, shaped by loss, change and growth. The fusion of their personal music styles yields something warm and hearty like bakery-fresh bread, and a twist-tie seals in traditional Mumford & Sons, Arcade Fire and Said the Whale freshness. It’s delicious.
So now that the bakery is calling, in the interest of brevity, I present this bite-sized, track by track list:
- Flowers in Your Hair: Nostalgia, young love, and an surprising note polishing off the second vocal line draws me in; it takes skill to make something unexpected intrigue rather than alienate.
- Classy Girls: Pop-folk with rough vocals recorded as if it were live.
- Submarines: A piano line reminiscent of Chopsticks marches the track forward. Interesting juxtaposition of solid, military-inspired snares and back-up vocals.
- Dead Sea: Heart-wrenching with isolated, vulnerable vocals.
- Ho Hey: A sweet country song with more amped-up reverb.
- Slow It Down: Stark and melancholy…Haunting vocals.
- Stubborn Love: A beautiful violin intros driving folk-rock; vocals in the vein of Mumford & Sons.
- Big Parade: An Americana country celebration with a slight sting, featuring cello.
- Charlie Boy: Welcome, Ms. Mandolin. We’re delighted to hear you.
- Flapper Girl: Adorable, children’s-rhyme-like vibe…but with depth.
- Morning Song: A clever title for a departure of a song that grows and grows.
— By Erin Torrance, a recent Publishing graduate venturing into the world of music. Erin lives in a flea-market chic apartment in Toronto with the love of her life and best friend — her cat Bea.
The Lumineers Tour Dates
May 11 – Denver, CO @ The Bluebird Theatre [SOLD OUT]
May 12 – Denver, CO @ The Bluebird Theatre
May 20 – Gulf Shores, AL @ Hangout Music Festival
May 22 – Jackson, MS @ The Red Room @ Hal & Mals
May 23 – Memphis, TN @ Hi Tone
May 25 – Indianapolis, IN @ Radio Radio
May 26 – Chilicothe, IL @ Summercamp Music Festival
May 30 – Houston, TX @ Fitzgerald’s
May 31 – Austin, TX @ Stubb’s BBQ
Jun 02 – Ozark, AR @ Wakarusa Music Festival
