Graham Wilkinson & the Underground Township

Yearbook

Although Graham Wilkinson’s stylistic diversity at times makes his sophomore offering ungovernably eclectic, his persistent vision of optimistic inclusiveness is admirable. Yearbook opens strafing gritty guitar roots-rock on “Water Towers and Windmills,” the dreadlocked local’s raw, Waitsian voice rolled in Oklahoma red dirt, but changes course with the Ray LaMontagne-esque soul of “Sunrise” and overly emphatic reggae of “Boys & Girls.” The album settles somewhat with “Personality Disorder” and steel-guitar twanged standout “Ragamuffin,” which draws Hayes Carll into the fold. While Wilkinson’s aesthetic remains defiantly hopeful, it emerges most powerfully in moments of vulnerability like “Momma, Protect Me,” “Blame,” and the brooding, building strings on the Alejandro Escovedo-aided “Ghosts.” Mixed with the tender charm of “Star Blue,” hand-clapped romp “Our First Night,” and lo-fi piano coda “Blank Pages,” Wilkinson proves an inspired artist, if still trying to fully harness his talent.

***

This article appears in July 31 • 2009.

A note to readers: Bold and uncensored, The Austin Chronicle has been Austin’s independent news source for over 40 years, expressing the community’s political and environmental concerns and supporting its active cultural scene. Now more than ever, we need your support to continue supplying Austin with independent, free press. If real news is important to you, please consider making a donation of $5, $10 or whatever you can afford, to help keep our journalism on stands.

SUPPORT US

Doug Freeman has been writing for the Austin Chronicle since 2007, covering the arts and music scene in the city. He is originally from Virginia and earned his Masters Degree from the University of Texas. He is also co-editor of The Austin Chronicle Music Anthology, published by UT Press.