Vigilantes of Love

Item: Audible Sigh
Author: Steven S. Baldwin

Audible Sigh

(2000)

Reviewed by Steven S. Baldwin

Discogs Bandcamp

Label True Tunes RecordsThe Phantom Tollbooth1999

alternative country americana folk rock roots rock

The brilliant photo on the album cover depicts an old train that, although surprisingly not derailed, lies motionless on its side half in the mud. This photo is the perfect metaphor for the band that has doggedly stayed on the tracks despite major label woes that would try to upturn them. They may have been ditched twice now by record labels, but they are far from clobbered yet.

In this light and given that front-man Bill Mallonee admits to mood swings and depressive bouts, Audible Sigh is the happiest sounding set of songs the band has released to date. Nearly as good as their finest moments this decade, their eleventh official album (counting 'Cross the Big Pond) is comfortably set in the camp of their previous material. Just combine the lush alt-country ramblings of 1998's To the Roof of the Sky with the rockier attitude of 1997's Slow Dark Train, and the logical conclusion is Audible Sigh. What it lacks in surprises in sound and content, it makes up for in the kind of diverse musicianship and solidly written songs fans have come to expect.

Plus, the guest musicians and vocalists (Emmylou Harris, her drummer Brady Blade, Phil Madeira, Tammy Rogers, and Julie and Buddy Miller) read like a who's who of noteworthy, contemporary, countryish artists, and their contributions here befit their stature without overly altering the band's signature sound. The continued consistency of Mallonee's songwriting craft on his distinguished album releases begs the question: will hell really freeze over before he writes a bad song?

If Audible Sigh has a weakness in its overall atmosphere, it is the lack of more melancholy tunes to balance the upbeat ones--notwithstanding the few included here like stand-out track "Resplendent." Buddy Miller's admirable, but slick, production also sanitizes the band’s grittier sheen in spots, resulting in some loss of the intimacy and spontaneity that characterizes the band's live shows. Regardless, Mallonee's always artful metaphors still run thick with reflection and wisdom, the music still cranks while rocking and cuts while weeping, and God is ultimately honored by this fetching collection. With songs this solid, Mallonee's train will continue rattling along a bit beaten but not busted for some time to come.

Hearty thanks go to the band, Buddy Miller, and True Tunes for releasing a limited number of prerelease CDs. Get yours if there are any left, and plan on picking up the expected new and improved version in 2000.

4.5 tocks