Other Lives: Tamer Animals

Other Lives
Tamer Animals
TBD Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: Other Lives sophomore outing is more organic sounding and just as infectious as their debut!

Album Review:
I will fully admit that I truly enjoy the lush musical arrangements found on the sophomore long player from Oklahoma quintet Other Lives. Tamer Animals finds the group moving to a much more organic vibe compared to their debut, while keeping their sweeping and grandiose song structures. This creates an atmosphere that really works for the band and keeps the listening experience fragile but engaging as you are guided by lead singer Jesse Tabish. The record was once again produced by Beck drummer Joey Waronker (Walt Mink, R.E.M., Eels) as he helps mix the Americana folk undertones while bringing out and making noticeable the cellos, violins, clarinets, keyboards, trumpets, and drums. This set up maximizes Other Lives members talents and lets their vocal harmonies stand out above the rest. All of these pieces cultivate a very moving sophomore record in Tamer Animals that does not necessarily move beyond their solid debut but it definitely moves in a positive direction laterally, as the band is really coming into their own!

Key Tracks: "For 12", "Landforms", "Weather"

Bands With Similar Fire:
My Morning Jacket
Fleet Foxes
Band Of Horses

Other Lives: Other Lives [Fire Note Review 4/30/09]

Other Lives Website
Other Lives Facebook
TBD Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony