The Builders and the Butchers – Salvation is a Deep Dark Well (Music Review)
By Andrew Gable • Oct 10th, 2009 • Category: Folk/Americana, ReviewsThe Builders and the Butchers
Salvation is a Deep Dark Well
Gigantic
Rating: 3.5 of 5
Q: What would happen if the Pogues were a modern American band from Alaska?
A: You would have The Builders and the Butchers.
It takes a lot for me to appreciate anything even vaguely resembling country or bluegrass, since I’m under the impression that I’ve heard everything these genres have to offer. That said, this release from The Builders and the Butchers is a great organic bluegrass/alt-country album whose tunes jump the banks and flood Salvation is a Deep Dark Well.
This quintet is what you would have if the Dave Matthews Band didn’t suck, or if Johnny Cash was 20 years old today: all organic instruments, building drums, down-home roots rock, and spiritual country soul with definite blues influence. The entire album should be brought, maybe even required by law, to all campfires, overnight fishing excursions, road trips, and hayrides with friends and like-minded family members. Seriously that good.
You get banjos, harmonicas, quivering male vocals with well-placed back ups, violins/fiddles, and subdued bass lines in this meaty dinner. It’s hard to get any real emotion or power from such rootsy rock like this, but the boys have it in spades here.
Listen for the bright horns in “Barcelona,” and the strong, staccato tempo in “Devil Town.” The magnificent angelic female vocals on “The World is a Top” are strong enough to make an atheist attend mass.
Links:
Official Band Site: http://thebuildersandthebutchers.com/
The Builders And The Butchers - Golden And Green (From the album "Salvation Is A Deep Dark Well): Play Now | Play in Popup | Download
Andrew Gable is a 30-something journalism student in Cincinnati, Ohio. He has played in a few local bands and is an avid collector of music. Outside of sharing his opinion with many people who don’t ask for it, he can be found drawing, skateboarding, and drinking copious amounts of coffee at local coffee establishments.
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As much as I disagree with your comment about DMB (because I love them – LOL), I couldn’t agree more with your review – well said! The Builders and the Butchers are awesome :O) Where do I buy?