Album Review : Richmond Fontaine - We Used To Think The Freeway Sounded Like A River
- Written by Hannah Brannon
It's pouring with rain and the hope of a glorious sunny summer is rapidly slipping through our fingers. But then the sweet sound of Richmond Fontaine's eighth album falls upon my ears and all is good again.
We used to think the freeway sounded like a river is due to be released on August 17th prior to the bands UK tour in September. This album presents some of Richmond Fontaine's strongest work to date, with a range of instrumentals and their signature lyrical style, inspired by the narrative approach of Paul Kelly.
Come along for the ride, here's the journey that is the new album offering:
We Used To Think The Freeway Sounded Like a River is a mellow, subdued take off track about an abandoned house and its swimming pool. The chilled backing beats provide the perfect milieu for the unfolding story of romance and childhood.
The second track acts as a cleanser to your musical palette. 'Northwest' is a brief but delightful instrumental by Collin Oldham on the cello. Track three sees the journey pick up pace as 'You Can Move Back Here' starts to echo through the speakers. This short, upbeat offering talks about friendship and rescuing a friend in need.
'The Boyfriends' - featuring a trumpet piece from Paul Brainard, maintains the pace and talks of a mother's numerous lovers experienced through the eyes of her own child - slightly disturbing one might say.
Track five displays the sad struggle that one man has to go through in order to get off the booze. 'The Pull' will have an unexpected heave on your heartstrings and will draw empathy from many of us human beings who can understand the depths and despair of anxiety.
'Sitting Outside my Dad's Old House' is a simple yet pleasant instrumental. Enough said. Possibly one of the best tracks on the album, 'Maybe We Were Both Born Blue' is an optimistic offering about a high school romance. The track is a mood lifter and a definite hit.
'Watch Out' is a beautiful instrumental piece, creating a hazy, nostalgic feeling deep inside. Track nine, '43' produces a much more determined sound, painting a bleak picture of a life wasted. 'Lonnie' is a hearty track and talks about a friend's auntie who slates her nephews. A truly awesome sound.
'Ruby and Lou' sings of a young romance between a couple that need nothing but one another and a place where darkness ceases to exist. Track twelve, 'Walking back to our Place at 3AM' is another stunning piece of musical genius. This instrumental is cordial and melodious.
'Two Alone' is an all too true track about the life of a forklift driver working hard just to keep his pregnant non-working girlfriend in money so she can continue to over-charge her credit cards.
The finale of the album is called 'A Letter To The Patron Saint of Nurses'. The track showcases the group's narrative approach that has worked so well for them thus far. The soothing sounds talk of a nurse having a nervous breakdown. Subdued yet serious.
Overall Richmond Fontaine have produced an outstanding offering with this album - go get it!