If there were such a thing as an "it-boy," "it-girl" or "it-people" all-star team, Now It's Overhead's new release, "Fall Back Open," would occupy multiple slots in the starting line-up.
"Fall Back Open," the band's second release on the vaunted Saddle Creek label, finds studio magician Andy Lemaster weaving all kinds of spells. Lemaster, who already has the incredible Orenda Fink and Maria Taylor of Azure Ray in his troupe, enlists both Bright Eyes' Conor Oberst and R.E.M.'s Michael Stipe for backing vocals and adds both renowned cellist Viktor Uzur and violinist Andrej Kurt for good measure.
For its part, the record speaks volumes of its impressive cast. Half-dance club, half-introspection, "Fall Back Open" leans heavily on no single feature. The first four tracks of the album alternate between the two aforementioned features until the record finally finds its peak with the poignant and spacey title track.
The song, in which Oberst makes his presence felt with subtle, breathy harmonies, acts as a perfect guide to the following track, "The Decision Made Itself." This movement is a microcosm of Now It's Overhead. From atmospheric to folk in less than half a minute, Lemaster puts two decisively different genres side by side successfully.
As far as Lemaster is concerned, who is better known for his work as producer and one of the only key contributors to multiple Bright Eyes records, his simultaneously patient and action-filled mind is hard at work on "Fall Back Open." His whiny yet passionate voice works well with the layers set behind him by Fink, Taylor and Clay Leveritt, drummer of the Lures.
Now It's Overhead performs with Statistics and Buffalo's the Winnipeg Jets on March 4, at Nietzsche's, at 248 Allen St.
This comes recommended for fans of Elbow, Cooper Temple Clause and R.E.M.
Photo: Courtesy of SUNY
