I nearly lost it when I noticed this album didn’t make my Best of 2009 list. …And then I realized that this gem was released in 2008. I just hadn’t gotten around to it until 2009. Anyway, Department of Eagles are Daniel Rossen of Grizzly Bear and his friend, Fred Nicolaus. Their first album, The Cold Nose, is much different from In Ear Park. It’s still worth a listen, but The Cold Nose is much more experimentally driven with heavy electronic influence.

These two albums don’t even sound like the same band.

In Ear Park is a folk masterpiece. It opens with a song of the same name. “In Ear Park” quietly draws the listener in with delicately picked guitar, gradually building up with more guitar strokes that sound like rainfall. I notice something different in the layers of the song each time I listen. It meanders and finally gives way to “No One Does it Like You,” the poppiest song on the record. One is further enticed by Rossen’s sincere vocals as he half-croons “I tried so hard.” More intricacies hidden in the layers. Two songs in and the record is already very Beatles-esque. There are so many off the wall and unique twists in the song, but they tend to blend in, and most importantly, they make complete sense. “Phantom Other,” the third track seems to quietly fade into a distant-sounding but brilliant spectre. Right away, it’s noticeable that the first three tracks are brilliant. The album doesn’t build up and crescendo, but rather, seems to lazily meander and bask in its delicate folk sounds. Other notable tracks include “Classical Records” and “Floating on the Lehigh.” Soothing but ambitious, In Ear Park is a perfect album to end the day with.

Also to drive home to.

Head over to Daytrotter and pick up their session for free here.

I had originally intended on writing this review months and months ago. But I didn’t. So, I am writing it now.

Austin Crane and company are a very underrated band out of Columbia, SC. Place at the Table is their sophomore album, released in October 2009. I remember searching for as many songs as I could after hearing them for the first time. Naturally, when I heard they were releasing a second album after 2007’s sincere I Know My Hands, I was giddy with excitement. I’m sure there was much squealing in a very manly fanboy manner.

Their songs are not that of the average indie folk band. One might expect overly self-indulgent songs romanticizing, well, romance. But this is far from the case. The songs are centered around darker and more mature themes, including faith. They’re written in a manner that isn’t preachy or gimmicky. It’s just real. Human. Sincere. Apparently that’s too much to ask from music today.

Due to unfortunate monetary circumstances, I didn’t send for this album until May or June. I wrote Austin and company a personal note about how I found the music meaningful and how excited I was to hear Place at the Table. I could hardly stand to wait the week for my letter and check to be delivered and then another week for the cd to be shipped. But was it ever worth the wait.

And when the cd finally arrived, I opened it to find this personalized note:

Tell me that’s not awesome.

I had already bought the Valley Maker album. But I digress; that’s for another review.

Place at the Table opens with delightfully paced “The First Shall Be.” Easily one of the best songs on the album. One listen and I’m hooked. Austin’s nasal croon is captivating and, in its own right, endearing. The incredible uniqueness of his voice flows perfectly over folk guitar and blues-esque bass.

Compared to I Know My Hands, the sophomore album is far more mature. Less singer-songwriter. Not that I Know My Hands could be classified as such, but the band’s presence is much harder to ignore on Place at the Table. Even if I do keep referring to them as Austin and company. (Sorry if you’re reading this guys; it’s nothing personal—it’s just hard to address the lead singer’s name as the entire band.) Again, I digress. The sound has morphed into something darker, louder—more raw and unrestrained.

This didn’t make my top albums of 2009. It didn’t. I almost asked myself why until I realized I didn’t listen to it until this summer. Not only is it one of the best albums to be released in 2009, but it’s one of my personal favorites without dispute. It’s so surprising to me that this band hasn’t received more exposure, because they absolutely deserve it.

The songs meander without being boring. Actually, each song could successfully stand alone, but the band made the right decision when they put “The First Shall Be” and “Teeth in Your Side” up for download. They are probably the most user friendly—or catchiest—songs on the album. Maybe catchy isn’t even the right word.

I am constantly pulled into the undertow of sound. And all I can do is sit back quietly and listen as Austin tells his story. Do yourself a favor. Listen to this band. Listen to Valley Maker. Know that honest music still exists.

http://www.myspace.com/austincrane

http://www.myspace.com/valleymakermusic