The Low Anthem : Oh My God Charlie Darwin :: Review
The Low Anthem offers a competent collection of Americana on “Oh My God Charlie Darwin.” Ranging in style from old-timey country music to lilting three part harmonies and Tom Waits infused raveups, it seems that The Low Anthem can do no wrong. The Low Anthem occupies the same swath of music inhabited by bands like Wilco and The Old Crow Medicine Show. With that being said, The Low Anthem seems poised ready to rejuvenate the No Depression label from its premature death.
Understandably this is a younger band and this is only their second album but after further listening to “Oh My God Charlie Darwin” the album feels a bit manufactured and hollow. The Low Anthem are competent musicians but then again saying a copy machine is competent on making duplication is an understatement. There just doesn’t seem to be much soul coming from this band as they ape their way through different genres and sounds. Opener “Charlie Darwin” seems to be the exception as the three part harmonies on this track and the plaintive acoustic guitar are spot on. “The Horizon Is a Beltway” cloyingly copies Bruce Springsteen’s Seeger Sessions sound and the cover of Tom Waits “Home I’ll Never Be” lacks the subtleties of the original.
The album falls apart in the middle with the juxtaposition of too many styles that are attempted. “Champion Angel” feels like a Black Crowes leftover and is followed by two reprises before the album mercifully ends. The Low Anthem have promise but need to find a way to hone in their influences rather than exploit them.
Rating: 
