The Family
Cornelius Chapel, 2018
9/10
An Alabama duo consisting of Will Stewart and Janet Simpson, as Timber the pair create cozy textures and genuine songwriting on this first album where contributions from Brad Davis, Lynn Bridges, David Hickox and Robert Wason add greatly to the introspective climate.
“Burying Ground” starts the album with warm Americana grace as elegant backing vocals from Simpson complement Stewart’s soothing delivery in the dreamy atmosphere, and the strong song craft continues to the Simpson dominant, hazy folk tune “As A Kill”.
Even though there’s just 8 tracks here, each one shines in its own light, including the bare yet powerful “Downtown”, as well as the soulful and sprawling “Sunstroke”, which creates a dense atmosphere in its 6 minutes of prog-like exploration.
Deeper cuts bring us the hypnotic, nearly post-rock strumming of the ambient “Errant Oblivion”, and “Move” exits the album with incredible singing from Simpson in the lovely, meditative climate of timeless beauty.
An intimate and rich effort that’s a bit mysterious yet also very welcoming, The Family bridges psychedelia and alt-country ideas in fascinating, introspective ways that mesmerize the listener with the pensive, stirring execution.
Travels well with: Will Stewart- County Seat; Terry Ohms- Cold Cold Shoulder