Pygmy Lush: Old Friends

Pygmy Lush
Old Friends
Lovitt Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: Pygmy Lush defines their path on third LP Old Friends for a promising new beginning.

Album Review:
Truly finding yourself is always an important evolution for a band. For Sterling, VA, band Pygmy Lush it took three LPs. Their debut record featured a mix of post-hardcore screamo with lush folk/Americana soundscapes but Mount Hope [2008] started the band leaning more towards the later and Old Friends finalizes the transition. This sounds like it might be a new music genre hybrid but on Old Friends, Pygmy Lush completely ditch their hardcore ways and set their sights on a more somber and vivid folk sound. Most of the tracks here are very low key but contain plenty of intricate musicianship and sprawling vocal harmonies that take each track to a different level. The tracks typically suppress lead singer Chris Taylor's vocals a bit with some reverb or an echo effect that gives many of the tracks a floating and mystic sound. Sometimes the eerie silence within a track gives it strength, like on the memorable "In A Well" that balances space and music perfectly. Old Friends is a record that strategically moves towards its 45 minute end time, as each track seems to take cautious steps but still have the capability to break out, like on the upbeat "Admit" and "January Song". With this new focus on building an Americana wall of sound, Pygmy Lush show real promise on Old Friends that sinks in on repeat listens and possibly forecasts a bright future for the band and even their next release!

Key Tracks: "Chance", "In A Well", "Admit"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Black Heart Procession
Fleet Foxes
Smog

Pygmy Lush Website
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Lovitt Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony