Okkervil River: The Stand Ins

Okkervil River
The Stand Ins
Jagjaguar

Okkervil River's latest album titled The Stand Ins, is their fifth full length in a progression of sound that spans over a decade ago. Beginning as a New Hampshire trio with Will Robinson Sheff on Vocals & Guitar, Seth Warren on Drums and Zach Thomas on Bass. The Okkervil River has since made Austin, Texas home and has morphed into a full band of six. What began as stark and somewhat dark, has become lush and full of life. Will and the gang have fleshed out their sound bringing in a multitude of instruments including banjo, trumpet, mandolin, keyboards, and accordion.

My own relationship with Okkervil River began with the release of their third album Black Sheep Boy and has recently culminated with a solid new album and a recent performance at the San Diego's Belly Up Tavern. I'm not sure I've ever quite had the full appreciation until now. The Stand Ins has Okkervil River breaking out of their darker side and showing a more of a consistent pop sensibility. The songs are instant and accessible. Will's vocals range from a sensual drawn out singing style (not unlike Morrissey) to a more talkie, Hold Steady comparison in "Pop Lie".

The Stand Ins opens with keyboard heavy 48 second atmospheric piece that is simply titled "The Stand Ins, One". This is one of three interludes that break up this pop heavy album. A transition is quickly made to the banjo/ tambourine trot of "Lost Coastlines". This is where Sheff's voice winds playfully around the his deep chorus vocals and the jangly strumming of his guitar. While each song has a charm all it's own, the standouts are "Singer Songwriter" and their self-prophesized "On Tour With Zykos." The band just happens to be on tour with Zykos when I saw them.

These songs are so well designed. It's so easy to find yourself lost in their lyrical story, or just tapping the tambourine in your head. Okkervil River have emerged a force to be noticed in indie music, much like the Decemberists or New Pornographers. If you've held a verdict on this band, now is the time to give them the chance they deserve.

Catch them on their Green Tour: Over 80 % of a concert’s CO2 footprint is from the fans’ commute Okkervil River are proud to announce a goal of making their fall US tour completely carbon neutral. The plan has 2 parts: Reducing fans' carbon footprint by encouraging them to ride bikes, carpool, or take public transit to the shows where possible, and offsetting the rest of their carbon emissions through purchasing Native Energy carbon offsets.

Find Okkervil River's music on eMusic.

Okkervil River Pop Lie