CD Review - Larkin Poe - Spring EP

Larkin Poe


Spring – EP

Tracks: 9

www.larkinpoe.com

Larkin Poe, previously the Lovell Sisters (before the departure of older sister, Jessica), are Rebecca & Megan Lovell, who themselves state that they are sisters, storytellers and music lovers.



They go on to say, “Ever since we were little girls, we’ve been awed by the power of a story well told: from children’s books and bedtime yarns to figments and fairytales. Before we were able to read, we hounded our parents for “more stories!” and then, when at last we could; we began hounding the bookshelves. Now, nearly a decade later, at 19 and 20, we’re still doing the same thing. We’re still on the search for stories, and striving to learn how to tell them well. Now, we not only hound bookshelves, but also the people surrounding us. We search for stories of human experience, of love won and love lost, and of the million mundane things that make up everyday life.”

I was hooked from the eloquence of that statement on; being a lifelong music and book lover myself, I was fascinated to see what this talented young duo had created. What I discovered was a debut EP of nine tracks which effortlessly transcend many genre boundaries, incorporating elements of folk, Americana, country, and pop and stunning vocals. Rebecca also plays mandolin and Rebecca, Dobro.; both are clearly very talented musicians. For the EP they are accompanied by Knoxville-based musicians, Daniel Kimbro on bass, Chad Melton on drums and Mike Seal playing electric guitar, all to great effect, and greatly complementing the girls’ vocals. The songs are all written from the perspective of young women in their late teens and, listening to the truth within their lyrics, you cannot help but get a sense that Rebecca and Megan are wise beyond their years.

Generally, the lyrics, whilst very honest, centre around the well known country bluegrass themes of love, heartbreak, and the challenges of spending months on the road, but every now and then there is a song which stops you in your tracks. On most plays, this song for me, is We Intertwine, which is almost poetic, and beautiful in its simplicity. The line And when my heart can beat no more I hope I die for all the good that’s left in this world, and when my body gives out I hope you find out just what this whole life was for makes the hairs on my neck stand up. One of those magic moments, where as the listener, we intertwine with the song, perhaps. There are moments during this song when I am reminded of Brandi Carlisle; vocally.

The girls have said of their name, Larkin Poe; “...the name of our great-great-great-grandfather; a man who survives in the memories and hearts of succeeding generations; a legend, a tall tale, a truly everlasting story. Just the thing that we hope to become.” If this EP is anything to go by they have a very good chance; anyone know when the full CD is released?!