"Weightless in Water" --Strangefolk


By Matthew Payne & Paul Pennelli
       The past year has brought many changes for the Burlington, Vermont-based Strangefolk. A new album, and a subsequent record deal have been pushing these four roots-rockers closer to the spotlight. In their second album, Weightless in Water, Strangefolk combines wonderfully simplistic song writing, vocal harmonies and free-form instrumentation, creating an original and infectious sound. Though it is a difficult task, Strangefolk has done an acceptable job at condensing their eclectic live performances, and organizing them into a marketable album.
       The first track on "Weightless," entitled "Roads," is an accurate portrayal of the band’s sound as a whole, featuring plentiful lyrics and harmonies. The lyrics, penned by rhythm guitarist Reid Genauer, speak of a common problem in people’s lives, a lack of direction or goals: "I don’t know where I’m going but I’ll get there. / Sometimes I’m wondering where will it be?" The lyrics also speak of the many directions that a life can go in, and the far reaching ramifications of simple decision making: "This a song about lifestyles / Decisions that we make / Roads that we abandon / And others that we take." This fast paced tune is a concert favorite, and features Genauer’s powerful voice and tight guitar work.
       "Whatever," performed by lead guitarist Jon Trafton, is an anthem for one who experiences a lack of communication with someone that one cares about. "I try to tell you what I’m thinking / But it flies back in my face / Words come out different, / Meanings are shifted / And my intentions take new shape," explain the frustration of not being understood. At the same time, Trafton speaks of a acceptance despite this frustration: "But the sun’s shining right now / Take me away awhile." The song has a mellow feel, and is highlighted by soaring vocal harmonies.
       A later track, "Valhalla," perhaps the most whimsical song on the album, is a crowd favorite when performed live. Genauer sings of a family that lives on a "hill not too far from here." This family, which is "seven children strong," features varying characteristics and ideals amongst the personalities of the children: "Susan was strong. / William was wrong. / Sally was thin / she kept it within." Though the siblings are all different from one another, Genauer emphasizes the power of family in the final lyrics of the song, "Do you believe / fairy tales come true? / There up on a hill / everyone’s singing."
       "Westerly" is a song about coming of age in a pretentious world, and the need to find one’s way on one’s own. It is also possible that this song reflects Strangefolk’s own emergence in the music industry: "I went running. / I wound up sitting down. / Trying to pick the lock / on a golden gated town." Strangefolk tries to convey the message that self-acceptance is the foundation for success, even if that means the exposure of harsh realities: "I see myself as seldom seen in sunlight / And I wonder if I’m lying to us all." In the end, the pain of self-discovery leads to wisdom: "It came to pass / Eyes that lost their vision / That learned to see / Through sturdy intuition." This is the catchiest tune on the album, and its fast paced rhythm and powerful vocals creates an aura of determination and will.
       "Sad" features the straight-forward song writing of bassist Erik Glockler, who also lends his writing talent on "All the Same" and "Who I am", which appear earlier in the album. Glockler writes of regret in "Sad", and a desire to forget the painful memories of the past: "I don’t want to know all the wrongs that I’ve done / ‘Cause every new day has a new setting sun." Like Genauer, Glockler employs the voices of his band mates in the chorus, creating a song saturated with vocals. Though it is painful, Glockler knows that the past must be told, in order to save the present: "I’ve got a reason to tell you / You’ve got a reason to know."
       Though the meaning of its lyrics are somewhat unclear, "Oxbow" is an accurate representation of what a Strangefolk concert sounds like. The song is approximately thirteen minutes long, and features both extensive lyrics, and extended guitar jams by Trafton. The lyrics have undertones of confusion, fear, and the nature of truth. Sometimes, sleep is the only remedy when feeling these emotions: "Be on you way. / Morning light is going to comfort you / Yes, you know you’re going to sleep / Morning light is going to comfort you / Be on your be on your way."
       Weightless in Water is a triumph for not only Strangefolk, but for all the fledgling jambands on the scene today, such as moe., Percy Hill, God Street Wine and the String Cheese Incident. "Weightless" is free-form by nature, yet it is infused with listener-friendly song writing. It is obvious that Strangefolk has grown a great deal since their debut album, Lore, and the band will hopefully be creating more amazing music with their new label, Mammoth Records. The only true testament of Strangefolk’s talent is in a concert environment, but Weightless in Water provides the next best thing.