If there was a band in recent times that could easily pick up the title of American Gothic, then it is the Handsome Family. Even more fitting is the fact that it is actually a wife/husband duo of Rennie and Brett Sparks. Even by their looks, they could easily fit into the famous Grant Wood painting.
The Handsome Family has been on the scene more than 20 years now and the 11 excellent albums they have made have only been able to garner them raving critics’ reviews and a cult following. I have no idea why their new release bears the name “Unseen”, but it seems to be fitting, no matter how unjustly.
It doesn’t seem to matter that Brett’s brilliant songwriting and a great tenor make it every time and that Rennie’s truly gothic lyrics (she has even garnered a title as modern music’s Ambrose Bierce), backing vocals and artwork are a matter of reverence. The participation from time to time of musicians like Jeff Tweedy does not seem to help either. Handsome Family albums come, get rave reviews and reach mostly the ears of the devoted.
Can this new outing change anything? Hopefully, but I wouldn’t hold my breath. Not that there is anything wrong with this album. Actually, it is not only up to the Family’s usual output but is up there with their best albums like “Through The Trees”. Any of these true Americana titles could have come from Wylon Jennings songbook or could have, like “The Red Door”, or “Gentlemen” ended up on an album by Elvis (yes, that Elvis) or Brook Benton. Or both. Even with Rennie’s cunning lyrics.
Maybe The Handsome Family sees this as a make or break since the deluxe version of the album includes a bonus set of previously issued tracks, including some of the best, like “Weightless Again” and the “Loneliness of Magnets”. I truly hope it does the trick. It is a great set and maybe the “Unseen” will be seen, or heard, to be more precise.
