Word to the wise: do
notlisten to this, Spokane's fourth release, if you are already depressed.It will make it worse. Seriously. It's a fine record, with gorgeouslysimple guitar work, minimalist drumming, and sinewy strings featuringtwo members of the string section of Papa M. But it is
not acheery record in any means. "Able Bodies" seems to want to convey thestrain of the average man - the worker who slaves all day long for notmuch pay, and goes home at the end of the day to a meager existence ina substandard housing project. It is a haunting work, capable ofraising chills in many areas as well as burying you in its beauty. Thevocal harmonies and staccato strings on 'Quiet Normal Life' lead youdown a deceptive path, making you think the whole track will be airy,cold. Shortly after their appearance, though, the track gets morespirited, more uplifting, and the drums and strings spring forward withan almost wanton pace. It's not a shocking twist, but it is a welcomeone. And there's a similar break in the languid pace on the fifthtrack, 'In Houses,' which moves along at an even pace. But besidesthat, it's a very mellow affair. Not that it's a surprise for Spokanereleases to be this maudlin. The only departure here is the spookynature of the majority of these songs. But the addition of the strongsection does give an added punch to these proceedings, allowing KarlRunge to concentrate on violin, while Ben Swanson relieves RickAlverson and Courtney Bowles, of vibraphone duties. Spokane's mostmoving work, while also their most chilling, "Able Bodies" is a welcomeaddition to their already rich catalog, considering it's also theirfourth release in two years. -
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