"Gut Check" : Emotionalism Review

by Mat Herron

What we get here is akin to Neutral Milk Hotel, with a slight twist. A spindly banjo, and soaring vocals bounce off one other as easily as two brothers' voices can without overshooting the goal.

"Paranoia in Bb Major" presents a foundation of traditional bluegrass, waltzy rhythms and a glockenspiel accenting just the right places.

You dig this, because even though the lovelorn thing has been written and rewritten to a numbing degree, The Avetts have their own particularly lyrical take, and it's always nice to see another's perspective. "Make sure she knows you lover her well / But don't make any other promises / Lies don't need an aeroplane / to chase you anywhere."

Scott and Seth Avett have no qualms about their emotions, and this straightforward behavior can either ring hokey or ring true. This time around we see the latter, and are better for it.