If you haven’t heard of The Civil Wars yet, consider this your tip-off. You’re welcome.
This dynamic duo released their first full length album, Barton Hollow, a week ago and already it’s jumped to number one on iTunes list of hot buys. Rightfully so, I’d say. Sure, the couple got an auspicious vault into the public’s eye when their single “Poison & Wine” was played during an episode of Grey’s Anatomy; Taylor Swift’s benediction didn’t hurt either. But their hauntingly seductive tones and simple compositions have kept the river of success flowing.
While the music of The Civil Wars (Joy Williams and John Paul White) carries components of the neo-folk trend our hipster personas love, there is also a much deeper, raw, sensuous feel to their songs. Tracks like “Barton Hollow” draw images of the secrets in the nostalgic, dirty South (Bontemps anyone?) while “20 Years” bewitches and burrows into the heart of regret. And without fail Williams’ enchanting elegance mixes with White’s rough-hewn (yet somehow silky) depth to create duets that flow naturally, full of emotion and skill.
Look, you don’t have to take my word for it. I’ll even put the links here for you:
Poison & Wine: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WfzRlcnq_c0
Barton Hollow: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JrOUwbsy12E
Dance Me To The End of Love: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bgFh1rEr5dM&feature=related
(The last is a cover of Leonard Cohen’s song. Prepare to have music move you like you wouldn’t believe.)
-Casey Kapalko
Music Editor