Horse Feathers' latest album Thistled Spring, released April 20th, differs from their 2008 release House with No Home in a number of ways. First it marks the first studio recording since a lineup change of Nathan Crockett on violin, Catherine Odell on cello, and multi-instrumentalist Sam Cooper. Secondly, while still containing the bands heartland Americana sound, it steps away from the melancholy reminiscient of winter to deliver something brighter, warmer, and more energetic. But just like the post-winter thaw lead/title track "Thistled Spring" forms the link between the two albums as the soft, balladic opener tinged with just the right amount of hope. In fact, it isn't until "Belly of June" that the album truly picks up, exploding unrestrained before being tailor back with "Cascades" which features bowed cymbals and saw, similar in sound to House with No Home's "Heathen's Kiss". The rest of the album is characterized by the warmer sound bridging the album with energy subtly underneath; occasionally resurfacing in parts of tracks "This Bed", "The Drought", and returning full-force in "Vernonia Blues". The album ends with "Heaven's No Place" which resembles "Thistled Spring" in its soft, languourness nature.
Thistled Spring is an excellent follow up for Horse Feathers both retaining the bands characteristic sound, Ringle's narrative-like songwriting, and also offering up something new like a change in overall mood. It's sure to become a favorite of fans and new listeners alike.
Just last week, the video for track "Belly of June" premiered on Pitchfork. Check it out here:
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