Naturally enough when a band takes its name from a
Shakespearian sonnet you’d expect a certain lyrical sophistication and a
heightened sense of narrative to traverse their material; doubly so when you
discover that the band fashion alternative country/folk songs. Band leader
Simon Dowling is by no means Ireland’s answer to Richie Edwards; but he does
have a knack of building intimate, yet aloof stories, layered with shards of
regret, love and listlessness.
Ironically it’s Dowling’s Adam Green-esque speak-sing vocals
which simultaneously make and derail the album. At times Dowling struggles a
tad too much to reach certain notes at vital times, whilst elsewhere his deadpan
style is charmingly frank.
Opening track Railroad
has a jittery, ramshackle quality to it which permeates much of the album. Can’t Go Back disappoints, save its
beautiful string outro. It’s such a shame that one of the albums highlights is
so fleeting. I Was A Miner on the other
hand is a more consistent affair
driven by a smart melodic bassline, mimicked by fiddle and embellished upon by
the clever use of mallets.
Dowling exposes himself the most on title track Family Tree which returns the narrative
to the railroad theme once again. The track grows dark, as Dowling reflects on
life stuck in a “dead end job” with
no way out in sight. Things get darker still as a barbershop backing vocal merrily
chirps, Dowling reflects “The last
lifejacket was wasted on me.” The addition of Hammond organ complements
Dowling’s morose tones perfectly on When
We Got To The Border which concludes proceedings on a suitably dour note.
Overall ‘Family Tree’ is a little too rough
around the edges to really engage long-term thanks to a lack of attention to
detail especially on Dowling’s vocals. However there is enough quality present to indicate that You Kiss By The Book are more than capable
of ironing out the kinks in the future.
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