Valley Of Abandoned Songs
Million Stars, 2024
9/10
Listen to Valley Of Abandoned Songs
A collection of songs leftover from their 2019 and 2023 albums, The Felice Brothers settle in quite nicely at their new label run by Conor Oberst.
“Crime Scene Queen” opens, and brings James Felice’s fluid keys and soulful backing vocals to the textured folk, and “Flowers By Roadside” follows with Ian Felice’s warm acoustic guitar and poetic singing that benefits much from Will Lawrence’s light drumming.
Deeper into the 13 tracks, “So Long John” welcomes a dreaminess thanks to Jesske Hume’s well timed voice and Ian’s distinct pipes, while “Raccoon, Rooster And Crow” offers a crisp and throwback flavor that carries a festive spirit.
Further yet, “Tomorrow Is Just A Dream Away”, the album’s best, is a timeless folk tune that’s pretty yet rugged and intimate as well, and “To Be A Papa” exits with a more Americana focused appeal that’s rich, heartfelt and timeless.
Plenty of artists dump their leftover songs onto albums like this with often mediocre results. When The Felice Brothers do it, it’s absolutely engaging and creative, where their indie-folk ways are as colorful and intriguing as the cover art.
Travels well with: The Felice Brothers- From Dreams To Dust; Joe Pug- The Flood In Color