Something Like Sound

Earlier this year, Conor Oberst and his Bright Eyes band released Cassadaga, a folk-bluegrass journey into the human psyche. Bright Eyes, in 2005, simultaneously released two albums: the electronic-experimental Digital Ash In A Digital Urn, and the stripped-down folk I’m Wide Awake It’s Morning. Cassadaga returns to Bright Eyes’ signature Midwestern bluegrass sound, building on and picking up where I’m Wide Awake It’s Morning left off.

The record begins with a phone conversation about the supernatural premonitions of a figurative protagonist and taking a trip to Cassadaga, Florida. A flurry of strings bellow and dive, leading into the main thrust of the album. “Four Winds,” the first single from the record, showcases a multi-layered mixture of acoustic guitars, strings and a slew of other instruments.

Unlike many of the records on the indie-folk scene, Cassadaga alludes to an older style of country music, easily heard during the middle section of the record. Confusion and beauty grip the protest song “No One Would Riot For Less,” which leads into the airy “Coat Check Daydream.” The metaphorical traveler finally reaches Florida during “Lime Tree,” and is met with somber realizations about the people he has loved and lost along the journey.

Oberst’s distinct vocals, though occasionally distracting, provide an agreeable medium for his melancholy lyrics. Cassadaga combines themes about love, finding escape from the Midwest, and discovering solace through a physical and spiritual journey.