The Lagoon Brothers
2010 Demos
Homepage: http://www.myspace.com/lagoonbros
Feature By: Nick Morrow
The Lagoon Brothers’ “2010 Demos” collection may not be a legitimate release, but these recordings are quickly climbing my iTunes “most played” list. While the group has thus far limited their arrangements to acoustic instrumentation, it’s hard not to be overwhelmed by a feeling of transcendence. Whether it’s the poignant lyrics, the nostalgic melodies, the intricate finger-picking, or the tight harmonies, I’m not sure, but something about listening to the Lagoon Brothers brings back the same indescribable feeling I got when I first heard Nick Drake’s “Pink Moon.”
The recently-formed acoustic duo (Clay Blackwell and Edward Joyner) was born out of the pair’s experience fronting their high school bands (Blackwell and the Cinnamon Telegram, respectively) and, surprisingly, the flood of 2008:
“Clay and I both live in the Lagoons,” says Joyner, which explains the band’s moniker. “Our houses both flooded and we sort of bonded over that shared experience and became friends after that….Then we started writing songs together. Eventually we had enough songs for a demo.”
The Brothers’ songs (recorded by James Connor w/additional vocals and instrumentation by Gabe Garber) echo the harmonic qualities of CSNY or their contemporary brothers the Avetts, with melodic sensibilities that seem to come from the same gene pool as Iron & Wine. I’m sure these guys will garner more than a few Fleet Foxes or Mumford & Sons comparisons, but the timeless quality of these tunes is undeniable, and to pigeonhole them so quickly may be shortsighted. I’ve always had an affinity for songwriters whose songs stand up on their own without electricity, and these boys would definitely just as (if not more) comfortable playing in the woods as they are on stage.
Honestly, every track from the demos is worth repeated listens, but the highlights for me are the ethereal “High Omens,” with its near-mystical lyrics and harmonies to fit, and the standout “It’s All Hearsay,” with lyrics evocative of Nick Drake- both descriptive and ambiguous. The songs stick out as an example of the group’s ability to combine a sense of naturalism and mystery simultaneously, crafted with enough accessibility to grab listeners’ attention, but enough intricacy to keep them listening.
It seems common for highly skilled musicians to trade in creativity and imagination for masturbatory jams, incessant noodling, and songs that are more about the artist than the listener. But the Lagoon Brothers, both incredibly talented dudes in their own right, are careful to exercise musician prudence and use their chops judiciously, in hopes of serving the song.