Okkervil River
Down the River of Golden Dreams (Jagjaguwar) Okkervil River’s second album, 2002’s Don’t Fall in Love With Everyone You See, was hailed by critics worldwide. The band’s brand of laconic country and off-kilter rock drew comparisons to the likes of Wilco, Will Oldham, and Bright Eyes. How do they follow that kind of success? With a collection of songs that is even more riveting, making music that stands pop on its ear. Down the River of Golden Dreams is a delight for many reasons. With tunes that recall American Music Club at its most panoramic or Nick Cave on a particularly good night, songwriter Will Sheff and his band of racket-makers wield a mighty wand, spinning magical soundscapes that wind from quiet and forlorn to raucous and rabid. “For the Enemy,” for example, starts off with a casually strummed acoustic guitar and some breathy vocals that warn, “Oh, my enemy, you’ve got company, you’re not alone,” building almost imperceptibly to a crescendo of squealing guitar and pounding organ before ending as quietly as it began. The band employs a variety of keyboards including a Mellotron, as well as banjo, a string section, pedal steel, and the First National Brass. But they are used wisely, satisfying the tortured souls on both sides of the fence. The real story here is the confidence with which Okkervil River spills over. Few who heard their tentative yet intriguing debut would have imagined that they’d turn into one of the most innovative bands to come out of the Austin music scene. With this release, it’s plain that’s exactly what’s happened.
This article appears in September 12 • 2003.