Music Review

By Chris Brower

Thursday, April 19, 2007

Longtime indie/folk favorite Bright Eyes returns with the follow up to the ambitious 2005 dual release of I’m Wide Awake, It’s Morning and Digital Ash in a Digital Urn. Cassadaga, named after a Florida town known for its wealth of psychics and spiritualism, finds Bright Eyes tapping into new territory with a thicker, lush country sound.

Singer, guitarist and songwriter Conor Oberst is once again joined by frequent Bright Eyes collaborators and now full-time members Nate Walcott and Mike Mogis. Several guests appear on the album, including Sherri and Stacy DuPree of Eisley, M. Ward and Janet Weiss of Sleater-Kinney.

“Make a Plan to Love Me” sounds like it could be in a musical, with its swirling strings and soft background vocals. “Middleman” has a mysterious folk feel complete with violin and heavy percussion. “No One Would Riot for Less” is haunting with its slow build. “Coat Check Dream Song” is a psychedelic trip that’s reminiscent of Sufjan Stevens with its use of vibraphone and electronics.

The one thing missing from Cassadaga is the strong emotional appeal of Bright Eyes’ previous albums. But instead the songs are full of new sounds and experiences.

* * * * out of 5 stars

 

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