The Gleam

The Gleam is an album from punk-bluegrass fusion band the Avett Brothers. It's an album filled with songs covering topics ranging from alcoholism to breakups.

"When I Drink" is a slower song with an upbeat bluegrass tone. Its subject matter though, is not upbeat at all. The song is about a man coming to grips with the fact that he's an alcoholic and rectifying his past mistakes.

"Yardsale" is a beautiful song romanticizing the history of items you would find at any old yard sale. Seth Avett vocally laments on what could have been. He then decides he doesn't want to focus on the past and wishes he could burn everything in the yard sale. The vocal patterns in the song, the subdued guitar line and mournful lyrics are reminiscent of Townes Van Zandt.

"If It's the Beaches" is a song focusing on the breakup of a relationship. It is one of the most moving songs I have ever heard. The taped voicemail played underneath the music is an excellent addition, making the track all that much more meaningful. This song encapsulates the feelings of a breakup perfectly and makes the listener connect with it almost automatically.

The Avett Brothers are defining the future of southern music; if you haven't heard this album, make sure you take a listen to it soon.