Not What I Thought

I had to go back and take a look at their debut record "Awful Joy" to really get a sense of what was happening here. The title of this record is absurd. . . and I believe that to be on purpose. From start to finish, this record plays out more like a lost Floyd record. "Whiskey", the album's opener takes the listener down 3 distinct emotional pathways before gliding down to a masterful finish. "You Die Alone" is practically a prog masterpiece, but only if you listen to the details. That's how good these guys are at masking the impossibly arranged. If, at first glance, the title and the artwork keep you away from this gem, look again. This record is thick, beautiful and balanced. Lyrically, it's out of this world.

more banjo!

EMUSIC-01DE777C

Combine the excitement of pop with the self-reflection of progrock and throw in some banjos and mandolins and you get Lowry. Not so much sad beauty, but a reflective sweetness to their sound. Whiskey and Roads are my favorite.

Optimistic Melancholy

Keath007

Lowry is wicked good at nailing that slightly askew sound. Even the quickest perusal of Love Is Dead will prove â�?�?Whiskeyâ�? is a thing of beauty, starting as displaced folk and ending as one of the best Mercury Rev songs never recorded. Songwriter Alex Lowry gives each song depth and nuance with some tricky and advanced songwriting while the band alternates between extended ruminations and radio-friendly firecrackers, all acoustic and all heartfelt. Despite the sadness in the sound itâ�?�?s not a depressing record, rather an optimistic melancholy. Tracks like â�?�?One Thingâ�? and â�?�?You Die Aloneâ�? have such a gorgeous flow to them you half expect to physically see the sound waves coming out your speakers. Special mention is deserved by album closer â�?�?The Road You Left On,â�? which is such an absolutely perfect winter song I can barely stand it.