The Avett Brothers
Live Vol. 4
Reviewed by: Tiffany Taylor
An Avett Brothers show is unlike anything seen before; it is something that generates a feeling that simply cannot be created. It is one thing to hear them play on the radio, but to hear them in person is something that will always be remembered. Last New Year’s Eve under bright and shining lights, the Avett Brothers played at Raleigh, North Carolina’s PNC Arena. This is where they decided to record their latest live album and decided to release it almost a year later on December 18th. Live Vol. 4 features two brand new songs “Satan Pulls The Strings” and “Rejects in the Attic” as well favorites such as “Shame” and “Laundry Room.”
It is one thing for a band to release a live album and expect it to do well, but the Avett Brothers are not new to the live album scene. They began releasing live editions in 2002 and now in 2015 they are on their fourth one. Most often, live albums give off a disconnected feeling and can take away from the intended sound of the music. Also the crowd cheering tends to always distract and take away from the overall feel of the album. However, the Avett Brothers seem to make a live album worth listening to.
Volume four showcases the progression of the group and how their sound came together over the past decade. Although the songs are all familiar, it feels brand new to hear it in this fashion. Within the thirteen tracks on the album, the middle seems to be where it really soars. “Another Is Waiting” steals my heart with sweet vocals and almost transports you to the moment that everyone was singing along. Soon following there is “Kick Drum Heart” with a beautiful guitar and piano melody that is such a feel good jam, only appropriate for the middle of a set. What makes this live version special is the clapping along with the lyrics: “My heart like a kick drum.”
Overall from the intro to the end, Live Vol. 4 is quite the edition to the collection of Avett Brother live albums. If you were not a fan before or had not been to a show, I hope the album encourages you to get out to a concert. I personally would not go as far to say it is worth the money to purchase, but is definitely worth streaming for a listen or two. I certainly don’t have “Ten Thousand Words” to say, but I’ll leave you with ten: The Avett Brothers steal fans hearts no matter where you are.
Rating: Listenable
