Denison Witmer
Carry the Weight
©2009 The Militia Group
www.myspace.com/denisonwitmer
Let’s get this straight. I don’t care for most “indie” or “alt-country” stuff out there right now. Most of it sounds contrived and at worst, twee and whiney. I do like the roots of most of it.
I was very, very surprised at Denison Witmer’s offering: superbly recorded and rock solid in the writing department; perhaps the awkward offspring of Simon and Garfunkel and Death Cab for Cutie being trained by Peter Case and Crowded House. All to say, this has great pop leanings with heartfelt and interesting writing. I can spot an emotional phony a mile a way and this whole project seems dead on for honesty and reality. I was listening to it while kind of shutting my eyes, and it was the soundtrack for a lazy, hot afternoon. There’s an undercurrent of melancholy, without being distracting or too personal. Denison’s voice is pleasant, and while occasionally sounds a shade Gibbard-esque, avoids being derivative or self-conscious. I’m guessing Mr. Witmer has done more than one acoustic gig in his life.
Lyrically, the album is strong. Thankfully, the lyrics are provided on the miniscule CD-booklet. It’s personal, but not embarrassing or ham-fisted. Life Before Aesthetics is a stand out lyrically. The recording is crisp with the guitars sounding lively and well balanced. Round that out with appropriate mixing of bass, drums and keys (mainly organ/piano), and this is one album that will receive repeat play for me. I may have to refuse to return this CD to its lender.
Flavorful tracks - From Here On Out, Song of Songs, If You Are the Writer
9/10 packs of phosphor bronze acoustic strings
DAA
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