Blitzen Trapper – Furr

Review

Blitzen Trapper's 2008 album "Furr" is a sonic journey through the heart of Americana, with a twist. The Portland outfit isn't content to just strum their way through folky tropes; they take that rustic foundation and toss in a healthy dose of the unexpected. The title track, "Furr," is a standout, weaving a tale that's part fairy-tale, part folk legend, all backed by a sound that's as haunting as it is beautiful. But don't get too cozy in that campfire glow – songs like "God & Suicide" and "Gold for Bread" are ready to shake things up with their raw energy and stick-in-your-head harmonies.

Earley's lyrics are a high-wire act, balancing the enigmatic with the downright surreal – think moon-walking cowboys and rivers ablaze. It's storytelling that digs deep, tapping into something almost mythical. While "Furr" occasionally veers towards a more polished sound, the band never strays too far from their offbeat roots. The result is an album that's as comfortable as a well-worn flannel but with a psychedelic lining that keeps you guessing. It's a testament to Blitzen Trapper's ability to hone their sound without sanding off the rough edges that make them so darn compelling.- Grant