Some songs just go better with life and living. Period. You know, those songs that have more than just novelty going for them, but will stick with you for the long haul. Well, singer/songwriter Andy Cabic crafts such songs and he makes it sound easy. For the past several days I’ve been listening to the San Francisco based band Vetiver. Their durable album The Errant Charm has sunk roots deep into my soul, and my flesh won’t be easily rid of such beauty. These songs have bones and sinews well oiled with strong marrow. There lives in our world songs of fluff and fancy, and for a change it’s nice to have songs constructed like hand-made Shaker furniture. And like any craftsman worth their salt Andy has been at it for quite a while. Originally a member of the now defunct Greensboro, North Carolina indie rock band The Raymond Brake in the mid-1990’s. And although the band had some measure of success, it was short-lived and concluded with the release of the Never Work Ever EP via Hepcat Records. But this review isn’t about what was, it’s about the here and now. And right now this gifted songwriter and band leader has given us The Errant Charm. This collection of songs is easily one of the best albums of 2011. So, if you have a taste for alternative folk/rock bands with the essence of pine needles and sunflowers dripping from every verse, then put this one into your inventory. Peace.
“Can’t You Tell”