eMusic Review
It's almost redundant to state that on this release the Avett Brothers return to the slowed, stripped down sound of the first Gleam EP. The acoustic pickings and strumming accompany vocals in a way that highlights the perfection in their vocal imperfections. Avett's voice strains as he laments that “not even the hands of God can hold me back from you,” on “The Greatest Sum.” This audible proof of his efforts makes his pain that much more real and relatable. Their inclusion of the electric rendition of “The Greatest Sum” serves as a good point of reference. While just as enjoyable, once the drums and electric reverberations cloud over vocals, the power of the longing and loneliness in the original version of the love song are lost. The decision to clip The Second Gleam at EP length keeps you from getting lost in a pit of emotions, but the lyrical prowess begs for each track to be played on repeat.
