May 15, 2008

The Child Ballads - Cheekbone Hollows (Pop. 1/2 Life) (US 2008)

I've waited a long time to hear this EP in its entirety. Up until now it's only been available as an over-priced import and the odd blog track. Although the Child Ballads play something that could be called indie folk blues, the snarl and cadence of the vocals still retain Jonathan Fire*Eater's swagger. Musically, the songs shuffle along with rather sparse instrumentation, but the rhythm of Stewart Lupton's lyrics keep them pushing forward. There's an urgency and intensity to his lyrics that I find captivating. "Cheekbone Hollows" is the immediate standout and the catchiest, but “Old Man October” and "Laughter In The Rafters" are also well worth checking out. I hope I don't have to wait 10 years for the next EP.

3 Comments:

Nightrain said...

It is crazy that you posted these guys today, because I was just listening to their MySpace tunes last night to see if I wanted to see them at Slims on May 17th.

Anyway, interesting coincidence...

awmercy said...

So what did you decide?

I'm kind of curious to see what else he'd include in his set - old Jonathan Fire*Eater songs, covers, new songs not on the EP?

Nightrain said...

Well, my decision was kind of made for me when I realized that I was going to a wedding party that evening in Santa Cruz... so it wasn't really in the cards.

But I am going to Pela in a week or so which should totally rule.