Okkervil River – Black Sheep Boy (Jagjaguwar) Released 27/06/2005

 

 

 

We are still treated to blissful contemporary folk moments, like on ‘A King and a Queen’ and ‘In a Radio Song’, a familiar direction to the sombre sound of James Yorkston and The Athletes, as lead singer Will Schaff delivers his lazy croaked harmonies.  This is just on facet of ‘Black Sheep Boy’ as Okkervil River's class shines through by diversifying into more Bright Eyes territory, like on the wonderful ‘The Latest Toughs’ as Okkervil River demonstrate their more up-tempo alt-country characteristics.  We are then taken on another turn, as the best moments of ‘Black Sheep Boy’ are when the band deliver some excellent pop-rock anthems that would certainly satisfy any Pavement or Dinosaur Jr fans.  The classic ‘Black’ is an uplifting masterpiece, a very close second to the best track on the album ‘For Real’ which delivers moments of eloquent folk melodies with sharp electric guitar choruses and a smattering of distorted guitar riffs to really make your mouth salivate.  

 

‘Black Sheep Boy’ is an ambitious, unique, but thoroughly rewarding record for anyone looking for something slightly different to stretch their musical boundaries.