The Ginger Envelope
Fri 5 Jun 2009
Reflections Of Misery
I’ve been finding it hard to listen to folk music lately; I’ve been discovering a lot of artists who push themselves forward vocally, somewhat undermining the importance of good instrumentation. I know that folk music is based very strongly around lyrics, but there needs to be a balance.
The Ginger Envelope captures the roots of folk music nicely, achieving a soulful blend of vocal harmonies and smooth instrumentation. There’s a southern twang in singer Patrick Carey’s voice, pedal steel gently sliding from the hands of Matt Stoessel, gliding rhythms from the bass and percussion of Colin Carey and Steve Miller and floating, lightly sprinkled keyboard touches from Paul McHugh. Together it forms a beautiful spacious sound that folds itself into a well rounded blend of country folk. Carey’s soft voice stimulates an excess of lazy, day dreaming, staring out the window into the harsh winter sunshine that glares brightly off the wilting dew-swept leaves.
Formed in 2003 in Athens, Georgia, friends Patrick Casey and Matt Stoessel channeled their passion for music towards former LA based art-rock group Urbosleeks, who had moved to Athens in 2000. With Urbosleeks at an end, drummer Jason Robira, guitarist Jason Trahan and bassist Steve Miller joined Casey and Stoessel to form The Ginger Envelope. The band released its debut album titled Edible Orchids in 2005, gaining credible press in both nationally and internationally.
The band’s second album due out on June 30th, was recorded in the band’s own make-shift studio in the basement of their friends house in Athens. Recorded over three nights back in 2007 using 16-track analog tapes, the band created a moody, sombre, down to earth album. It draws heavily from traditional components of folk music and has a rather dry vocal mix, dispersed with unhinged sweeping instrumental arrangements.
Last year the band lost founding member Jason Robira but gained Colin Carey and Paul McHugh. They have already written the bulk of their third album which is expected to be released in 2010.
The Ginger Envelope- Invitation Air: MP3
The Ginger Envelope- All Pinned Down: MP3
Posted by Nick Fulton under U.S.A
No Comments
