"Emotionalism" is the new album from The Avett Brothers and the straightforward title is very apt. This is pure and honest emotional music. It has a heart as big as an ocean and enough soul to feed a small nation. To be honest I doubt I would have listened to their type of music a few years ago, but a musical journey of somewhat similar acts has led me to this destination. And I am very pleased, for The Avett Brothers convey that timeless magic of beautifully written anecdotes that purely rely on the power of the voice and simple instrumentation.

The Avett Brothers are brothers Seth and Scott and Bob Crawford and "Emotionalism" is their fourth full length album, although they have released a few live recordings as well. They hail from North Carolina and their music is a blend of bluegrass, country, folk, rock and ragtime. As I said the instrumentation is very simple, basically guitar, upright bass and banjo. What makes the music soar are the gorgeous harmonies by all three singers. Ranging from softly song ballads to up tempo rockers you will swoon at the beautiful melodies. This is never more evident then on "Paranoia in B-Flat Major" which is just a beautiful song. "Will You Return" is just happiness personified, whilst "The Ballad of Love and Hate" is a slow burning song of regret and loss. Actually, calling on their country roots, most of the album's themes are loves won and lost, mistakes made and regret laid out. But it is never maudlin or contrived, these are just gorgeous songs that will resonate with you for years to come. It is never better exemplified then in the album centrepiece "Salina" which aches with beauty and passion. A beautiful voice is backed by piano and banjo, simple but oh so effective. If you desire music that relies on the craft of songwriting and makes genuine emotion its focus then you should invest in "Emotionalism".

MP3: Paranoia in B-flat Major
You can purchase "Emotionalism" from Amazon.