Avett Brothers – The Gleam

A six-song postscript to their recent long-player Four Thieves Gone, this EP shows only the softer side of the fast-rising North Carolina acoustic trio, but to splendid effect. While in concert the Avetts catch fire largely on the spark of their more strident and fiery stompers, they also clearly have an affinity for ballads. The Gleam gives bassist Bob Crawford the day off, with brothers Seth and Scott Avett handling all the vocal, instrumental and songwriting duties. Highlights include the jaunty “Backwards With Time”, in which the narrator worries he’s regressing rather than progressing as he ages; “When I Drink”, a heartfelt apology for drunken transgressions; and “If It’s The Beaches”, which turns ever so slightly psychedelic with the inclusion of a lover’s answering machine message halfway through. The Gleam is ultimately just a short stopgap on the Avett Brothers’ greater journey, but it’s a worthwhile and beautiful little detour.