HORSE FEATHERS

Words Are Dead

2006-10-30

Debut album of Portland, Oregon folk duo Justin Ringle and Peter Broderick that explores the collaboration of classical music with a fresh take on modern folk. Ringle’s vocals fill the air carrying a strength and confidence that elaborates on personal burdens and broken-heartedness, drawn from a moody, old-fashioned approach. With the compilation of prodigal, multi-instrumentalist Broderick, who adds violin, banjo, mandolin, cello, viola, piano, saw, percussion, and vocals to Ringle’s guitar, percussion and lead vocals, their music offers an eerie comparison to influences such as Nick Drake, Nebraska-era Bruce Springsteen, Will Odham, and Cat Power. NPR.com calls the album “One of the year’s most accomplished and stirring debuts.” Horse Feather’s unusual mix of stark arrangements with dynamic accents are overwhelming in 2 “Finch on Saturday,” 3 “Dustbowl,” and 4 “Blood on the Snow.” -Jake Burritt

More reviews tagged #Folk

  • reviewed 02/2017

    Travis Linville
    Up Ahead

  • reviewed 11/2006

    GOB IRON
    Death Songs For The Living

  • reviewed 12/2010

    THE BLACKBERRY BUSHES
    Little Bit of Grace

  • reviewed 09/2007

    ERIN MCKEOWN
    Lafeyette

  • reviewed 05/2008

    Big Leg Emma
    Gramma Don't Like That

  • reviewed 09/2007

    LARA EWEN AND THE UNSTRUNG ORCHESTRA
    Ghosts and Gasoline

Compiled by the WYCE Journalism Club

The opinions expressed in these reviews are those of the individual volunteers that submitted the article and do not necessarily reflect the views of WYCE or GRCMC; nor its staff, donors, or affiliates.