The Hackles

AAAAAAA.jpg

A Dobritch Did As A Dobritch Should

Jealous Butcher, 2019

8/10

Listen to A Dobritch Did As A Dobritch Should

Though you may not recognize the names Kati Claborn and Luke Ydstie, you’ve probably heard their work in Blind Pilot, who have been one of the biggest names in indie-folk for a decade now.

Here the multi-instrumentalists continue the strong song craft of their full band, where hooks, harmonies and varied instrumentation are never in short supply.

“Seven Lies” starts the listen with soft and agile with Claborn’s strong vocals that harmonize well with Ydstie on the warm opener, and “Dreamer” follows with cautious picking in the aching setting of timeless folk sounds meets country nods.

Further on, “The Show Goes On” picks up the pace a bit with breezy Americana in a song about circus life gone tragic, while “Peaches” trims the atmosphere back to a duet of bare beauty as a fiddle solo adds much to the formula.

Near the end, “So I Go” brings some of the best vocal work on the elegant album highlight, and “Can I Get A Mention” puts Ydstie front and center on the emotive and stirring gem. “86 Pages Of Secrets” ends the listen key friendly and full of soul, and reiterates the extremely thoughtful nature of the listen.

Partners outside of music, too, Claborn and Ydstie have an undeniable chemistry on this 2nd album, where a largely tranquil delivery contains much power in its eloquent, unpredictable, and welcoming demeanor.

Travels well with: Blind Pilot- 3 Rounds And A Sound; River Whyless- Kindness, A Rebel