LARKIN POE —THICK AS THIEVES (Edvins Records)

[Maurice Hope]

http://www.larkinpoe.com

 

 

After their 4 EP box set, sisters, Rebecca and Megan Lovell and their band, Larkin Poe bring out another 7 song cd. Only this time there is special edition version and it is something else. The 16-track DVD includes 14 live recordings and the official videos of their new single ‘Play On’ and ‘Long Hard Fall’. Recorded in Norway, at an intimate wine cellar venue the girls dress up for the evening, medieval style; all that is lacking is platters of food and win to wash it down!    

 

As for the EP Rebecca and Megan who are both multi-instrumentalists, playing mandolin, acoustic guitar and dobro, lap steel respectively (Megan being the driving force) to go with band members Rick Lollar (electric guitar, harmony vocals), Todd Parks (electric bass) and Chad Melton (drums) plus Will Robertson (piano, Rhodes and B-3 organ), Marlon Patton (percussion) and Mace Hibbard (soprano sax). Recorded in Atlanta and produced by Larkin Poe and the much sought after, Patton there is a wealth of melodic, reflective fare on offer. One of the best and strikingly beautiful being ‘Play On’ and with fabulous steel/ sax and a ragtime swing feel ‘On The Fritz’ it too is most captivating. It also has some great harmony vocals and lead from Rebecca too.

 

If fault were to be voiced, and I do this knowing many won’t agree (or worse) but there are occasions when the playing takes precedent over the girl’s singing. So much to the fore is it (not a particularly bad thing at times) but if a little more tempered then it would allow their voices develop, and for the lyrics to register quicker. As in ‘Love Or Money’ that has the benefit of a funky rhythm aid mandolin and steel. While there is the pleading for action and you to move yourself right now as bursts of swirling lead guitar accompany the girls on ‘Celebrate’. ‘Make It Hurt’ is a slow, smouldering cut that evokes flavours of the Deep South and is a particularly tight piece with it awash in impassioned playing all round.

 

The DVD offers an excellent mix of new and not so new with a heap of joyful playing before an appreciative audience, who in fact enjoy a few real treats as on the likes of ‘We Intertwine’ —that has a beautiful, understated opening with little other than Rebecca’s voice to be heard. ‘Long Hard Fall’ and ‘Play On’ that also appear in video (good they are too) form alongside their cover of traditional piece ‘In My Time Of Dyin’ all gain from the ‘live’ scenario. As for their cover of Johnny Cash’s ‘Folsom Prison Blues’ it isn’t for them.  Be sure to check them out, live. You won’t be disappointed.

 

                                                            Maurice Hope