Coyote Bones: Niobrara

Coyote Bones
Niobrara
Coco Art Recordings [2009]









Fire Note Says: New direction works well!

Album Review:
Coyote Bones has had a new beginning or sorts for lead singer David Matysiak as he left Omaha, NE following their 2007 debut and relocated the band back to his hometown of Atlanta, GA. After several recording sessions in a tranquil mountain setting, Coyote Bones re-emerged with a new line-up (including Heather Kemp and Jordan Noel) and the new sophomore record Niobrara (named after a river in Northern Nebraska). This new start did not end with the geographical move or replacement of band members but it also is reflected in the albums music. Niobrara focuses on Coyote Bones's folk side and totally strips the group down to simple acoustic numbers that would sound great next to a roaring fireplace. Where on Gentleman On The Rocks [2007] featured many well-known supporting Omaha artists and had a full indie rock vibe, Niobrara's highlights the power of less is more. Matysiak's vocals hang out there confidently while soaring harmonies swing in and out and on several tracks. Several of these occasions evoke sing along moments but most of the tracks found here work perfect to just sit and absorb. What is encouraging about Niobrara is that as the record offers a new direction for Coyote Bones, you just get the sense that with more time and refinement in this style their potential is endless and future records could take the masses by storm. Until then check out Niobrara because it is a real grower!

Key Tracks: "Disturbance In Your Mind", "Surrender To The Night", "Above The Treetops"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Peter Bradley Adams
Wilco
Ryan Adams

Coyote Bones: Gentleman On The Rocks [Fire Note Review 10/26/07]

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CoCo Art

-Reviewed by Reece Michael