Shallow Bed (Acoustic) - Dry the River
by Courtney Askey
I've been looking forward to this ever since it was announced that Shallow Bed, one of my favourite albums of 2012, would be re-released acoustically. And my word, it definitely does not disappoint. It's a whole different album- and equally as excellent.
With the same track listing of the previous album, the translation from one to the other is superb. Beginning with a haunting a capella version of Animal Skins, you're gently thrown into a Wintery world of flawless harmonies. New Ceremony, on the other hand, reminds me of Summer. It's incredibly gentle, and it's wonderfully beautiful. Will Harvey's violin accompanies the delicate (whilst at the same time powerful) voice of Peter Liddle and the backing from other band members Scott Miller, Matt Taylor and Jon Warren with grace. Shield Your Eyes is a little punchier with its percussion. My favourite from the album so far is History Book. It's been stripped down considerably from the original version. The first thirty seconds or so with vocals from Peter with the piano accompaniment really highlights the duality of the band. 'Shallow Bed' is all raging crescendos and epic 'folk rock' build ups. 'Shallow Bed (Acoustic)', on the other hand, allows us to focus on the vocal talent. The harmonies are heart-wrenchingly good. The Chambers & The Valves is slowed down and less bouncy than before, and now it seems a whole other level of sentimental. Next is another of my favourites: Demons. This song is probably my favourite from 'Shallow Bed', and from the two live performances I've seen of the boys. The original conjures emotions in me that I didn't know existed. The strings, booming drums and the crescendo of the electric version really are a thing to behold. And on this acoustic offering, this song is something a bit more intimate. It seems sadder. I like sad. Bible Belt translates beautiful acoustically. I've always loved the acoustic versions of Bible Belt that I've discovered on the internet after finding the Watch Listen Tell session. No Rest is another of my favourite from the original album. I've found myself many a time screaming along in a most unruly fashion. I must say, this acoustic version is missing something a little with the lack of drums, but that doesn't mean it's not something really rather wonderful. The power of Peter's vocals really shine through in this song. Shaker Hymns is beautiful. It's folk at its best. Now, Weights & Measures. This song does things to me- especially this version. I remember when I first heard this song I had it on repeat for an hour in the darkness of my bedroom. It was devastating. I probably cried a bit, too. I'd like to say I've hardened after a good few hundred plays but that isn't the case. I think this is just one of those songs. Ending on previously rowdy and shouty (in the best way possible) (did you get that) Lion's Den, this is a great closing number. It leaves you wanting more.
This is a really great album. I can't wait to listen to this more. It's a perfect soundtrack to the movie moments of life. You know, the sunsets, the long car journeys, the heartbreak... Buy it. Just buy it now.
Available on iTunes from 17th December.
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