Vetiver – Between / 2005 DiChristina / 5 Tracks / http://www.vetiverse.com / Reviewed 02 June 2005
Starting out “Been So Long” with a vocal style not unlike Rufus Wainwright, the plodding nature of the “Between” LP shows a much more radio-friendly style than their previous LP would have listeners think. The compositions on “Between” are very utilitarian; there just are not many extraneous avenues that the band takes during the disc. On tracks like “Save Me A Place”, all that is needed to make a very solid and full-sounding track is an acoustic and drums, coupled with Andy’s vocals.
The live track on this EP, “Maureen” really moves back to the older-sounding style of the first LP; the less-than-perfect recording of the track (while not rendered unlistenable) actually gives the track a certain personality that really draws listeners in and makes them a part of the audience, no matter how far they were from the band when the track was originally recorded. The largely-instrumental “Belles” (another live track, even though it was recorded in a studio) is a sedate, yet intense track that is fitting to end off this EP. The reedy vocals of Andy really work well alongside the gradually increasing drone present from the strings on the track. With the instruments overwhelming Cabic’s voice at a number of points during the disc (this does not mean that the mixing was band, but rather that Vetiver skillfully has Cabic step aside as the guitar really finds its own), “Belles” is like waves crashing against a breaker. The ability of Vetiver to approach the problem of how to create a compelling track with two very different approaches (the very full, echo/chorus-filled “Been So Long” and the Spartan “Save Me A Place) shows a band cognizant of the necessity to keep their sound fresh.
Even if the vast majority of the EP has a very American/down-home country feel to it, the drums present on the opening track, as well as the flute-sounding strings present give the track a worldly flair that keeps people glued to the disc. Vetiver has really coalesced their sound from their first LP and really moved to a style that is completely their own, instead of just the culmination of the three artists that make up their band. The disc will be enjoyed by all brands of fans, whether they like America, the aforementioned Rufus Wainwright, or current indie-rock.
Top Track: Save Me A Place
Rating: 7.0/10