[rating=4.00]
Pete Yorn’s latest go-round with Columbia records, Back & Fourth, is a departure in both his writing and recording career. His first album in three years, following the trilogy collection, is a depiction of a difficult period in his life. Change seems to be the key element, both personally and professionally, and this album may be the catalyst. For starters, Yorn implored indie producer and noted Saddle Creek arranger, Mike Mogis (Bright Eyes, Rilo Kiley) and recorded the album in Omaha, NE with the guidance of Columbia co-chairman, Rick Rubin.
Known to play almost every instrument himself, Yorn takes a turn in the road, sharing the musical duties with his new band: pianist/arranger Nate Wolcott (Bright Eyes, Rilo Kiley), drummer Joey Waronker (Beck), bassist Joe Karnes (John Cale), guitarist Jonny Polonsky and backing vocalist Orenda Fink (Azure Ray). With a well-credentialed group in the mix, the acoustics are that much more creative and complex – from big brass horns to mesmeric guitars and layered harmonies.
“Paradise Cove” starts as a breezy-summer chiller with a bossa nova beat. What you initially think has a feel-good groove gets hauntingly dark as the story bends from,” I got what I wanted when you showed up” to “When you talk, it makes me cringe, you want so bad to have meaning, but you’re empty and draining.” “Social Development Dance” has that emotional Yorn-like magnetism that draws the listener right into the lyrics – a nostalgic, I-can-relate-to-that look back on a friend that has passed away. “Thinking of You” and “Long Time Nothing New” again bears the songwriter’s soul and defies musical gravity with soaring climaxes. Although some critics claim Yorn sounds very similar to Bright Eyes’ Conor Oberst on “Thinking Of You", I say it’s Yorn being Yorn – raw, honest and vulnerable. A brave place to be in today’s musical environment
