LAST GOOD TOOTH

Not Without Work and Rest

2013-10-13

 They met in Rhode Island.  They now call upstate New York home. They consider both The Black Keys and early Americana music to be their influences. 

Not Without Work and Rest

is the second release from Last Good Tooth, a band with an unfortunate name, but a way with neo-Americana music. There are no instrumentals here with all the songs featuring strong vocals, intriguing percussion, and varied instruments.  Album opener, "Look What I Made" has subtle plucked strings and strummed guitar before the whole band kicks in for a quiet, loud, quiet, loud dynamic. You can't go wrong with handclaps on "What's What I Do".  "Eeeee" has vocal effects, violins, and a catchy "deee, deee, deee" chorus.  The lyrics on my favorite, "Could You Read", have a sinister tone and are backed by banjo and electric guitar.  "Some Kind of Pair" is slow and dark with hand percussion, plucked strings, piano, and vocal reverb adding to the noir sound.  The subtle horns and harmonium on "Tie Something Fragile" make a nice segue into the quieter half of the disc.  "Beat Our Days" is a spiritual with backing vocals, violin, and strummed guitar over subdued percussion.  You can't have an album without a love song and "For Sleep" is the token song here.  The album ends on a bright note with the simple and upbeat "Lack One Lacks Both".      Rebecca Ruth  

Quick Links:

More reviews tagged #Folk

  • reviewed 07/2011

    AMY LAVERE
    STRANGER ME

  • reviewed 05/2014

    CLARENCE BUCARO
    Hills To Home

  • reviewed 10/2013

    WILD PONIES
    THINGS THAT USED TO SHINE

  • reviewed 05/2005

    Girlyman
    Little Star

  • reviewed 01/2012

    JOHN MCCUTCHEON
    This Land: Woodie Guthrie's America

  • reviewed 05/2006

    Jack Radcliff & Al Oliveira
    Two Hot to Handle

Compiled by the WYCE Journalism Club

The opinions expressed in these reviews are those of the individual volunteers that submitted the article and do not necessarily reflect the views of WYCE or GRCMC; nor its staff, donors, or affiliates.