Label: Self-Released Rating: 3.5 Guns
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Written By: PSG
Don’t let iTunes’ “country” label fool you, The Audreys are far from redneck twang. The Australian group, originally out of Melbourne, consists of five members and "When The Flood Comes" is their second album. "When The Flood Comes" has a tone and theme of a socially aware youth. All the songs contain the bright, simplistic attitude of someone just starting out in life who has gained their first bit of wisdom.
A theme of warning is expressed in the tracks “Chelsea Blues” and title-track “When The Flood Comes.” This seems highly appropriate to the times as it seems everyday there is another news story on a new global threat. With these warnings the songs also carry a message of unity being the only way to get through what is coming, which is, of course, another timely idea.
Following along in the idea that the album is meant to imitate a teen or young adult in today’s world, The Audreys included a healthy dose of romance and sex. Track 4 “Lay Me Down” in particular has a seductive tone and “Sally & the Preacher” has a deep sound which makes you want to move your hips. “Closing Time” should be playing in the background of every movie first kiss. The last song “More to a Sinner” is so sweet and bluegrassy that you’ll instantly want to be slow-dancing with a cowboy at the town’s summer barbecue.
And what teenager would be complete without a little anger at the world? Besides bitterly ironic lyrics like in “Small Things” “drowning’s not that bad if you breathe,” a deeper anger is also expressed. “Paradise City” is very noticeably different from the rest of the album. This seems to be drastically unbalanced. Alone, this song sticks out like a sore thumb, even though it fits with the overall theme of the album. Yet, this works as a singular song and if The Audreys want to go down this road they should include more than one song of this type for a more complete feel.
The music itself is undeniably beautiful. It could easily be the soundtrack to a peaceful weekend. The vocals are perfectly paired with the instruments. The instruments (melodica, harmonica, ukulele, resophonic, guitar, banjo, violin, lap steel, bass, and drums) are each featured well and comfortably. The Audreys rely equally on the vocals, lyrics, and instruments to produce their nicely balanced sound.
As enjoyable as the album is, The Audreys did themselves a great disservice by sticking to very calm almost subdued sounds. While listening to the album you might find yourself waiting for some real swingin’ pop bluegrass a la “Four Winds” by Bright Eyes. Don’t get your hopes up, it’s not coming. The Audreys obviously have vocals and instrumental talent powerful enough to produce that kind of sound, and at a few points they almost get there, but never quite manage it. So come on, Audreys, next time around blow everyone out of their seats.
