★★★☆
Dynamic and emotive,And Then Like Lionsbegins with a reflection on the breakdown of singer/songwriter Israel Nebeker’s 13-year-relationship, and ends with a tribute to his father, whose battle with cancer and death is much of the album’s focus.
Opening track ‘Umpqua Rushing’ announces a softer sound for the folk band. It’s a slow and hazy grower, gently building with a melancholic hum.
Nebeker’s voice is sweet and earnest, floating around the textural melodies with a gentle strength and clarity. Sharply and beautifully produced, the album never comes across as formulaic or repetitive, repeatedly tackling themes of suffering and purpose, deftly avoiding self indulgence or pretentiousness.
The final two songs end the album on a triumphant high. A symphony of strings begins ‘What Is Yet’, layered with a horn section and coming across like a Bond theme. The polished introduction to the penultimate track provides contrast to the occasionally wailing vocals, the rawest on the album.
The anthemic ‘Like Lions’ compares human strength to that of lions, in a lush and uplifting finish to a dynamic album that at its core, explores the human spirit simply and honestly.
Blind Pilot’sAnd Then Like Lionsis out now on ATO.
