Okkervil River: I Am Very Far

Okkervil River
I Am Very Far
Jagjaguwar Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: I Am Very Far proves that Okkervil River do not need a concept to create an album with an engaging depth!

Album Review:
I Am Very Far represents one of the most confident sounding records from Austin's Okkervil River, as it abandons the concept direction of their past several records in favor of turning the focus onto individual tracks. This creates a new venture for singer/songwriter Will Sheff, as there is less worry about song transitions and more detail on the internal song structures. This new direction is immediate, as the infectious march beat created on opening track "The Valley" sets the tone for this take no prisoners record and "Show Yourself" is filled with a true burning intensity as the closing track "The Rise" is as grandiose as anything the band has released. Where The Stand Ins [2008] and The Stage Names [2007] used the overall story to drive the record home, I Am Very Far builds and builds with its complex song structures and is a big step forward for Okkervil River, as they prove that they can make a great record regardless of the boundaries. Once again, Okkervil River showcase their multifaceted talent and knack for just creating a great listen, as I Am Very Far gets better with every spin and for certain keeps the band in the upper echelon of the indie genre!

Key Tracks: "The Valley", "Rider", "Wake And Be Fine"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Decemberists
Arcade Fire
Bright Eyes

Roky Erickson With Okkervil River: True Love Cast Out All Evil [Fire Note Says 4/19/10]
Okkervil River: The Stand Ins [Fire Note Review 9/9/08]
Okkervil River: The Stage Names [Fire Note Review 8/13/07]

Okkervil River Website
Okkervil River MySpace
Okkervil River Facebook
Jagjaguwar Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony