Okkervil River

Black Sheep Boy

Okkervil River is supposedly a river in Russia. Images of harsh, bleak, brooding countryside immediately appear in one's mind and in many respects these are themes that apply to this album. The music at times is definitely brooding while the lyrical themes are often bleak. However, there is more to this band than broodiness. The songs represented by this record mix the musical influences of Wilco to the lyrical styling of a Bright Eyes or Thom Yorke. This in no way is meant as a criticism, far from it. In Black Sheep Boy, Okkervil River have created one of the most exciting and different albums of the indie music scene.

Okkervil River are based in Austin, Texas. They have constantly produced records that have been critically acclaimed and last year they notched this up a stage further with the release of Black Sheep Boy. In the UK, the disc is available with its sister record Black Sheep Boy Appendix packaged as one. But far to dwell on the songs that were originally rejected, let's concentrate on the core of the offering: the original album.

Lyrically the record seems to be the soundtrack to a tortured soul. Love triangles, friendships, jealousy, abuse - all is there and all is vital to the music. In many respects the record takes these lyrical themes and manages to apply it to the backing music in both the choice of instrument and the decision on how to play that instrument. This is most evident in 'In a Radio Song'. The music sounds like it should be played on those tapes made to calm the soul and induce total serenity. The vocals kick in and comes in complete contrast to the music - the wailing voice, although not loud, certainly is disconcerting. This song is best listened to through headphones in order to completely appreciate what the band have done here. A special mention has to go to the production here - it truly is a producer's tour de force.

Elsewhere, the band have most clearly been influenced by Wilco's 2004 hit A Ghost is Born. 'Black' and 'For Real' are both songs that are rock. Both tracks build into a crescendo of music that one cannot ignore. 'For Real' is a song that just sticks in the back of one's mind and simply gets better on every listen. The organ is used to great effect and adds texture to the guitars. 'Get Big' is a duo with a guest appearance from female singer, Amy Anelle. The song is the most countrified of all the record. It deals with adultery and the boredom of relationships and also adds some novel thematic twists and never sounds clichéd.

'The Latest Toughs' is perhaps the best example of the singer's voice managing to sound completely out of place. The voice soars, breaks and at times is woeful but this merely adds to the music. In many respects its an almost punkish attitude to singing which makes this, and many of the other songs on display, stronger for it. Overall the brooding and difficult nature of this record is replicated in the album's tracklisting. Soft and up-beat tempos mix uneasily, but this merely adds to my affection for this album.

Overkill River have produced an astounding piece of work. The "adult" themes and strange musical accompaniment work well together and it has produced an album that is unlike any other. If you're a fan of Wilco, Radiohead or the Shins you will not be disappointed by this record. Like crack, the record astounds on a first listen then makes the listener come back for more, before deeply and savagely entering your soul. There will be many who will become addicted to this record and to this band. Cult-band status has arrived for Okkervil River.

James Ketchell

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