Far From Home
eOne, 2017
8/10
A Brooklyn by way of Baltimore outfit who take their name from a Josh Ritter album, Animal Years brings the songwriting prowess of Mike McFadden, Anthony Saladino, and Anthony Spinnato to 5 Americana and folk influenced tunes that are very much in the realm of today’s indie-rock.
“Caroline” gets the album off to a hand clapping and swift acoustic strumming start where warm vocals guide the part Americana, part roots rock fun, and “Friends” follows with vivid drumming and a soaring quality of timeless folk-rock.
The back half offers the soft, reflective “Corinth”, which erupts into an ebullient display of warm beauty near the end, and “Home” ends the quick listen with upbeat. full guitar focused indie-rock that’s packed with melodies and sharp, infectious dynamics between the trio.
These 3 guys really have a knack for inviting and instantly memorable song craft, as each of the 5 tracks leaves an indelible mark from the first listen. If bands like The Lumineers, My Morning Jacket and The Avett Brothers are in your interests, Animal Years should be in your rotation, too.
Travels well with: Shook Twins- Some Good Lives; Dawg Yawp- Dawg Yawp