LAST GOOD TOOTH

Not Without Work and Rest

2013-10-13

 They met in Rhode Island.  They now call upstate New York home. They consider both The Black Keys and early Americana music to be their influences. 

Not Without Work and Rest

is the second release from Last Good Tooth, a band with an unfortunate name, but a way with neo-Americana music. There are no instrumentals here with all the songs featuring strong vocals, intriguing percussion, and varied instruments.  Album opener, "Look What I Made" has subtle plucked strings and strummed guitar before the whole band kicks in for a quiet, loud, quiet, loud dynamic. You can't go wrong with handclaps on "What's What I Do".  "Eeeee" has vocal effects, violins, and a catchy "deee, deee, deee" chorus.  The lyrics on my favorite, "Could You Read", have a sinister tone and are backed by banjo and electric guitar.  "Some Kind of Pair" is slow and dark with hand percussion, plucked strings, piano, and vocal reverb adding to the noir sound.  The subtle horns and harmonium on "Tie Something Fragile" make a nice segue into the quieter half of the disc.  "Beat Our Days" is a spiritual with backing vocals, violin, and strummed guitar over subdued percussion.  You can't have an album without a love song and "For Sleep" is the token song here.  The album ends on a bright note with the simple and upbeat "Lack One Lacks Both".      Rebecca Ruth  

Quick Links:

More reviews tagged #Folk

  • reviewed 05/2006

    Jack Radcliff & Al Oliveira
    Two Hot to Handle

  • reviewed 03/2009

    Dan Vaillancourt
    Lovely Distractions

  • reviewed 05/2009

    Bob Dylan
    Together Through Life

  • reviewed 10/2010

    ENOCH KENT
    Take A Trip With Me

  • reviewed 03/2010

    THE STEEL WHEELS
    RED WING

  • reviewed 04/2017

    Kenny George Band
    Borrowed Trouble

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.