Album Review: Roman Candle- Oh Tall Tree in the Ear

May 25, 2009 SoItGoes 4 comments

Roman Candle a creative band from Chapel Hill NC released their second album and first on Carnival Music label ”Oh Tall Tree in the Ear” on May 12, 2009, and if you have not heard of them yet it is time to start paying attention. This family three piece composed of brothers Skip & Logan Matheny and rounded out by Skip’s wife Timshel have put forth an album that demands attention from those who love heartfelt earnest lyrics accompanied by pop infused alt country melodies.

The band’s roots begin around 1997 when things started to form for the UNC Chapel Hill students. They were first signed by Trevor Pryce for his new record label Outlook Music (yes the Trevor Pryce who is DE for the Baltimore Ravens). Things started to pick up for the band in the early 2000’s and since that time they have toured extensively and had a few record label changes before recently settling down with Nashville’s Carnival Music for their current release.

On first listen what stands out is the ease that these songs wash over. You get that feeling that even though you have not heard the album before the descriptive lyrics paint pictures of memories that make for an immediate ease of attachment to the album. Skip Matheny is the lyricist and chief vocalist for the band and he takes his art seriously. For those not familiar with “Oh Tall Tree in the Ear” the title is actually taken from Rainer Maria Rilke’s “Sonnets to Orpheus”. I mention this because Skip goes about his business like a serious lyricist. His lyrics paint pictures like others who before him have mastered the craft. Though after just one listen I’m not ready to crown him in the same hall as dylan, young, or even ryan adams he hits on all cylinders like the best lyricist tend to.

The lyrics may be what captured my immediate attention, but what kept me around was the depth of the musicianship. No one will confuse the musicians as “technically the best”, but they are quite capable of crafting a compelling song. The album has upbeat rockers as well as a nice sprinkling of tender heart felt songs. The first four songs come out of the gate very strong grabbing your attention immediately, but repeated listens soon show that there is not a bad song on this album. Some songs that jump to mind as my favorites are “A Heartbeat”, “Eden Was a Garden”, and “One More Road”. As I already mentioned though what makes this album special is the depth of the album like those of old. This is not one that needs to hold itself up with just a few singles. This is an album that rewards those who go back to it and pay attention to the second half. Perhaps it does not catch you as immediately but the songs are very well crafted and enjoyable.

I don’t always enjoy making comparisons to other bands in reviews, but sometimes it is the best way to get folks who have not heard about a band intrigued. I would say that this band sounds like early Wilco, some Ryan Adams/Whiskeytown, and certainly the Jayhawks. In fact if I had to make a comparison I would say this album compares favorably to the Jayhawks “Hollywood Town Hall”. The songs are less country then that album, but that album like “Oh Tall Tree in the Ear” pulls you in with a few catchy songs, but keeps you there with it’s overall depth. Those familiar with the pleasure of “Hollywood Town Hall” should know I don’t make that comparison lightly.

I saw that because this album has really taken a hold of me. It is one of my favorite albums released this year. In fact I would say it is easily in the top three I have heard this year and only time will tell if it stays there or moves to the top, but I would not be totally surprised if by the end of the year this was my favorite album I have heard. In case you could not tell yet this album is highly recomended for those who enjoy alt country music or those open to well crafted songs in the alt country vein.

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