Streets Of Laredo is one of the great country songs, the cowboy’s death march. The Gibson gang, Daniel, Dave and Sarah walk tall side by side with their band mates, seven strong. But rather than providing us with insights into how the West was won, they prefer the daily minutiae of life.
Employing a minimalist approach to ensure every sound is tailored for maximum effect, they reject excess in favour of rinky-dink melodies, and intimate drums and guitar to balance each song’s emotional connection with elements which are part of a classic structure. Homeless is a little Mazzy Star as the angelic harmonies borrow from the rough hue and rambling spirit of beatnik poets like Ginsberg and Kerouac. Need A Little Help is as plaintive and illuminating as what the like of Angus and Julia Stone and Grizzly Bear aspire to. Hey Rose is seemingly as mundane as being about calling a radio DJ, but in truth is an exquisitely rendered composition with convoluted arrangements and rhythms which defy the conventions of standard alt-country songwriting.
Laredo continues the quest for life’s answers by posing rapid-fire questions. Sarah does a great job with the couple of songs she lends her vocals to. I’m Living is reminiscent of that dusty song to play as you approach the Texas border in a trailer and an appreciation of the fact that truck stops are now equipped with cappuccino makers. This will calm the seething heart, but this heart still cares little about being misdirected and unappreciated.
BY BRONIUS ZUMERIS
Best Track: I’m Living
If You Like These You’ll Like This: Mazzy Star, Grizzly Bear, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Bob Dylan
In A Word: Bruised
