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Album Details

• Artist: Poorfolk
• Album: Poorfolk
• Label: White Whale
• Year of Release: 2004
• ME Rating:
• Reviewed by: EsteeS on 2005-02-18

Poorfolk's music converses within itself as delicate acoustic guitars answer each other harmoniously. The softness and subtlety of this album makes it worth giving yourself over to. They lyrics are highly political and perceptive (Cave Smoking,) and though the vocals at times sound similar to Tim Kasher's (Cursive) they get by with way less vocal ability. The redeeming quality however, is the more complex finger picking and folk-ish sound that sets Poorfolk aside in the abundant world of run-of-the-mill "emo."

Jonathan Pearce's former band Merato broke up in 2001. After the breakup, Jonathon chose to teach in South Korea, where he developed a more acoustic, indie-folk approach. Upon Jonathan's return to Montréal, he recruited David Maurakis and Poorfolk was formed.

Though particular finger-picking patterns become tedious as in "Predigested Pablum for the Masses" and "March Along," songs like "The Rolling Hills" more then make up for the occasional monotony. "The Rolling Hills" is definitely the standout track on this album consisting of a stunning layered acoustic arrangement with scarce drumming and warm bass. Female vocalist Savannah Buskin's backup vocals are also a nice touch to the album, softening the music and making it more fascinating.

This is a very straightforward, softly executed and faintly dim album that entails patience and a tranquil atmosphere.

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