One of our favorite surprise DIY releases of the crazy and depressing year 2020 is the fantastic indie album, Vast Oceans, from Bristol, Virginia alt. folk-rock band Annabelle’s Curse.
Since 2012 the band, headed by songwriter, singer, and guitarist Timothy Kilbourne, has attracted a small but loyal of fans.
The first-time listener – especially those of you who are folk enthusiasts – is bound to enjoy the homegrown Appalachian roots of the band and may make others wonder why they’ve never heard of the band before.
Annabella’s Curse has been playing live shows, festivals, and other events across the states for the past decade. With the pandemic having a devastating impact on live concerts, Annabella’s Curse has been like so many bands trying to figure out a way forward.
From the band’s FB page: “It has been a difficult year for music and is still trying to find our place in this brave new world. It’s been a long strange trip filled with ups and downs.”
While not being able to play tracks from Vast Oceans for live audiences this year, it doesn’t change the fact that it’s a dazzling Appalachian folk-rock album not to be missed.
The songs on Vast Oceans are heartfelt, comforting, introspective, and wonderfully crafted musically. The band members and guest musicians are all solid players and fit right into the intent and groove of Kilbourne’s songs.
It’s hard not to love this album if you are a fan of authentic DIY folk-rock. In fact, there are only a couple of ‘miss’ songs out of the otherwise fantastic 11-track recording. Really, it’s one to spend some time listening to.
We really like Kilbourne’s roots-rock vocals as well. The unity of the band members tells a story of a talented set of musicians but a brotherhood for the love of this style of indie music that helped make indie music a popular genre.
If we had to recommend just five tracks for extra busy folks, they would be “Thunder”; the motoring, inspirational “Call of the Void” with its terrific folk authenticity; the wonderful performances on “Seven Seas”; the agonizing but beautiful ballad “Bolts and Steel” and the sunny, lush melodies on “Foul Beast.”
The other band members include Zack Edwards on guitar; Travis Goyette on drums; Kirk Bagnell on auxiliary percussion; Tyler Luttrell on bass and Carly Booher-Edwards on mandolin and vocals.
https://www.facebook.com/annabellescurse/