Friendly Savages - O, Joshua! Album Review

Genre: Indie Rock/Folk

Origin: Austin, Texas

Record Label: Unsigned

Band members: Josh Coulter, Scott Krenitski, John McDonald, Malcolm White, and Michael Summers

 

What do you get when you mix folk rock with four young men from Austin, Texas? You get the Friendly Savages and their new album O, Joshua! With quirky instruments, original lyrics and entertaining, talented male vocals, this band is gaining speed in the music industry. With a sixteen-track album brought to the table, this unsigned band has a lot to offer.

 

O, Joshua! starts out with one short, beautiful piano instrumental called “To an Asteroid”. Although it has a more solemn tone, the rest of the album maintains a fairly upbeat, rock feel. The instrumental was followed by the song “Counted Lost”. While it started out with gentle guitars and piano, it gained urgency towards the final half of this brilliantly-written folk piece. The lyrics contain optimism in dark times, and convey a sense of sanguinity for the listener. Additionally, “The Hold of the Lord on my Sparrow” is also filled with a rustic sound, as well as emotional lyrics and a fantastic combination of ringing banjo strings and heart-rending acoustic guitar.

 

The album isn’t just filled with solemn instrumentals and half-sombre, half-cheerful lyrics. Songs such as “The Escape” and “I Have Your Ghost” are energetic, bright songs that are fun to rock out to. A surprising twist was when a lovely female vocalist joined the lead singer in “The Escape”. With faultless harmonies, these two conquered the song and gave it a certain unexpected edge. “Her Locket on a Chain” let the lead take charge and show off his gleaming vocal abilities, and showcased a more bluesy sound towards the end with the combination of instruments.

 

Overall, the album portrayed the highs and lows of life. It showed a viewpoint from someone who has loved, lost, and found who they are along the way. Furthermore, it gave one the sense of hope in complicated times, and paired that emotion with the happiness that one can find. The emotions were well-planned out, as it went in a story-like chronological order. “Gold and Silver (Love is Lost)” ended the heartbreaking part of the album, and “For Grace (Love is Found)” started the more contented side of the story.

 

With a fine mix of acapella, instrumental, glum, and cheerful tracks, O, Joshua! has found a home in my favourite album collection. With brilliantly-written lyrics, sensational harmonies, and a well-thought out story line, Friendly Savages delivered near-flawless songs. This album contains all that one needs to start and end their day. It is highly recommended to take a listen, and be prepared to have your ears and mind rejuvenated.

 

O, Joshua! : 9/10

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