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Date: 8.16.2005
Author: Andrew Glassett
Magazine: NowOnTour

The Graves Brothers Deluxe
Light
Good Forks Records
Release: 8/16/2005

Rated: 4 of 5

Review by:
Andrew Glassett

Retro-noir, what a concept. It's something that sounds old with a new twist. Oh, and it is also dark. Maybe it is actually a new kind of darkness. I'd like to think there are different kinds of darkness around; like the difference between a dark alley and a dark movie theatre. The first is just dark; the other is dark but also very comfortable. It is on these terms The Graves Brothers Deluxe have released their album Light.

It may seem ironic their album is called Light, but I think it actually fits the album perfectly. Their kind of darkness is the movie theatre kind of darkness, where all distractions are taken away in order to focus in on the intent and flavor of the production.

The vocals are amazing. Stoo Odom has tapped into an alter ego voice that sounds focused and almost cartoon-like at times. His voice is deep and sometimes sounds like he is singing a jangle-pop, good time-y song. "Legs Rubs Together" slowly develops into a darker and darker place before the song shifts into a coda that moves and grooves. Other songs such as "Seen It All" are a little lighter and more humorous. The organ provides such a wonderful churchy mood while the tremolo on the guitar is reminiscent of surf guitar. The chord changes and rhythmic vocals keep things interesting as the songs change from one track to another. There are also a lot of different instruments used such as stand-up bass, violins, horns, and various keyboards, which are arranged in the most efficient way possible as to not take away from the overall disposition of the album.

Overall, Light sounds like a backcountry Queens of the Stone Age, except more articulate and stimulating. The voodoo element obviously plays a part in creating an atmosphere of shadowy rock and roll goodness. The Graves Brothers Deluxe have succeeded in spawning a sound that is bigger than themselves; a feat that is done by very few bands.