Vetiver

VINYL FORMAT. Vetiver grows in a "less is more" chaparral where simplicity offers ample room to wander. Strongly fertilized by traditional acoustic music, and more subtly cross-pollinated by the sparseness of "minimalism," with its bare suggestions of melodies that the listener fills in for himself, Vetiver gracefully navigates folk and pop savannahs with ease. Led by chief songwriter Andy Cabic (ex-Raymond Brake), along with violinist Jim Gaylord, cellist Alissa Anderson, and sometimes member Devendra Banhart (who shares co-writing credits on "Los Pajaros del Rio" and "Amour Fou" and contributes guitar and vocals to the album), the band delivers eleven beautiful tracks. It also features guest appearances from Colm O'Ciosoig (My Bloody Valentine), Hope Sandoval, Joanna Newsom, Craig Koozer, and Nick Holdskom. As the SF Bay Guardian said, "Like the tall, narrow grass that is its namesake, Vetiver is fragile sounding but strong, densely layered with melody, texture, and rhythm yet uncluttered.... Andy Cabic's wistful tones at times remind one of Nick Drake, hobo folk, and even Cat Stevens as they meander along the dusty road of Americana."