An alternative folk band based out of Seattle, the Day Laborers & Petty Intellectuals have compiled their first album since 2013 and second overall, dropping Former Lives this year. In a similar way to their debut album, songs with upbeat tempos blend beautifully with more mellow sounds to create a compilation that provokes the listener to experience the entire album in one sitting. Perfect for a long road trip, the musical mixture of banjo, mandolin and guitar paired with active percussion (and a rare flute), will keep you alert and interested. With that in mind, be careful driving with this album playing, the lyrics will drag you in and make you miss your exit! Witty and fast-firing with their words, the band combines storytelling and historical references with satirical philosophies on the album, keeping listeners on their toes. The chemistry between musicians is apparent throughout Former Lives, with smooth cohesion between instrumentation and vocals, contributing to an overall very pleasurable listening experience. With sounds similar to The Avett Brothers and The Mountain Goats, the relatively unknown Day Laborers & Petty Intellectuals offer a refreshing spin on the folk genre in more ways than one.
Recommended If You Like: The Avett Brothers, The Mountain Goats
Recommended Tracks: 1 (The Former Lives of Former Lovers), 2 (Dark Mountain), 6 (Feminist Lithographer), 7 (Brontosaurus)
Do Not Play: 5 (Lonesome Tonight),
Written by Sophia Fortmeyer on 10/06/2016
