[rating=7.00]
In the ever-expanding genre of dream folk, Duluth, Minnesota natives Trampled by Turtles are continuing to make a name for themselves. On their latest record Wild Animals, their sound is airier and more atmospheric than ever, and they also seem to have honed their instrumental skills, creating lush waves of strings that complement the equally soaring vocals and harmonies.
Each song on Animals feels like it belongs with the others, making for a cohesive and tight record, and though few totally stand alone, this is an album you want to enjoy in a full listen, not broken up. Opening track “Wild Animals” is a gorgeous landscape of sound, and “Hollow” seamlessly follows with lots of fiddle, almost as if they’re one long continuous song. “Repetition” is a favorite, as it doesn’t just float like the ones that came before; it builds up and occasionally lands. Its melody is one of the catchiest on Animals, and it begs for repeat listens almost literally as they sing “over and over again”.
“Are You Behind The Shining Star?” finds the band veering back into their alt-country comfort zone, with a more rock and roll pulse and more of that bleeding fiddle that goes so well with the raspy vocals. Similarly rock and roll is the cacophonous “Come Back Home”, a country tune that plays with elements of garage rock, and thrives in its instrumental imperfections. It’s messy, but in a beautiful way, and the tangle of sounds only enhances the sense of urgency the lyrics are conveying—a desperate lover begging for his one and only to come back.
“Silver Light” puts the banjo front and center, and has the vibe of a Wilco tune. This may be the high point of the record, with a classic country melody that immediately sounds familiar, like an old favorite to which you’ll always return. Listen for the fiddle solo about halfway through that adds a layer of emotion only that magnificent instrument can provide. “Western World” also features some impressive banjo playing, sped up to chaotic pace that sweeps you up into its whirlwind.
None of these songs are forgettable, though only a few truly stand out. And each song makes you want to keep listening to the next and the next. This is a complete record that creates a world you’ll want to live in from the first note to the last. “Lucy” is a sparse, vocal triumph, with the haunting, overwhelming sadness of a lullaby, and “Winners” is one of the most bluegrass-heavy tunes with that lackadaisical pace and super simple melody.
Trampled by Turtles continue to evolve and improve with each record, and Animals is no exception. In many ways, they’re a great jumping off point for those who are just dipping their toes into the folk pool, as they tread lightly, incorporating hints of bluegrass, pop, garage rock and country. Animals is a powerful record that calls to mind glorious tall grass, bare feet, and starry country skies. It’s very much specific to a place, and its sound transports you there as if in a dream.
