The Builders and the Butchers
Western Medicine
Reviewed By: Lexi Bissonnette
The Builders and the Butchers are back with their 4th release, Western Medicine. The indie folk rock band continues on their dark theme with this album, which appears to have apocalyptic themes, dark and cynical lyrics and a good mix of folk, indie rock and a little rockabilly. Strong instrumental are the glue holding this album together.
Western Medicine is a mix of energy levels and sounds from the high energy tracks like “Blood Runs” and ” Desert Is on Fire” to the slower more laid back folk sounds of “The Snow”, “The Redemption Song” and “Take Me Home”. The mix of bass and banjo by Harvey Rumbleson and Willy Kunkle played out effortlessly and sounded brilliant in each song. The tempo of the songs matched the strange and eerie lyrics, all with a focus upon death and/or extreme hardship.
Ryan Sollee’s vocals were at times the perfect fit for the mood evoked in the lyrics. At others, his voice appeared too gravelly and slid the words around in a strange fashion distracting from the lyrics and the music. “Poison Water” was perhaps the best blend of instrument and vocals on this album, providing a low and almost soulful sound in comparison to the other tracks. However the real gem was “Desert is on Fire” with its wonderful blend of sounds that fully encompassed the folk rock vibe and great hook in the lyrics.
Rating: Listenable
