The Felice Brothers’ debut for Conor Oberst’s Million Stars imprint, *Valley of Abandoned Songs*, stands out for its impressive cohesion, despite being pieced together from recordings made five years apart. The album blends tracks from two distinct sessions: the raw, unhurried tunes from May 2018, recorded at Letterbox Farm in Hudson, New York, and the polished, refined material from May 2023, captured at The Church in Harlemville, New York. Early tracks like the earthy “Flowers by the Roadside” and the more recent, slick “Crime Scene Queen” demonstrate a seamless fusion of the band’s evolving sound. This approach allows listeners to experience the evolution of Ian and James Felice’s music alongside their established rhythm section, Jesske Hume and Will Lawrence.
Despite some noticeable seams from the album’s patchwork nature, *Valley of Abandoned Songs* showcases the Felice Brothers’ signature rugged charm, a hallmark since their 2006 debut. The album’s title reflects a modesty that contrasts with the high quality of songwriting. It allows for the inclusion of raw, candid takes, such as the garage-like “Younger as the Days Go By” and the poignant “Tomorrow Is Just a Dream Away,” which offer glimpses into the band’s creative process. The lyrical content remains tight and poetic throughout, with tracks like the cryptic “Raccoon, Rooster and Crow” and “Birdies” tapping into what Greil Marcus described as “old, weird America.” “So Long John,” a tribute to the late poet John Ashbery, adds a touching element to the album.
While their previous albums, including *Undress* and *Asylum on the Hill*, were dense with ideas and stylistic experimentation, *Valley of Abandoned Songs* benefits from its stark, unadorned folk-rock arrangements. The album maintains a balance between simplicity and depth, encapsulated in songs like “Crime Scene Queen,” which juxtaposes sorrow and celebration, and “New York by Moonlight,” where Felice contrasts the city’s flaws with his affection for it. Passing through the *Valley of Abandoned Songs* feels akin to a visit to the Lost & Found, with its reclaimed and refined works offering significant artistic value.
English