'Compost' Announces Release of Latest Album
The new album entitled 'Rustic Voyage' is the Austin
duo's second self-produced CD in as many years. The
EP includes 8 mostly original tracks with Patrick
Pressley on cello, Joseph La Fave on guitar/bass, and
special guest Tony Cruz on percussion. Heading into
the studio in May 2005, the band set out to record
some of their favorite live pieces, two of which
include the haunting lyrics and vocals of La Fave.
The album opens with a rendition of their upbeat,
middle-easternesque track, 'Trampin', which highlights
Cruz's professional percussion playing with layers of
tracks. This creates the full sound that Pressley and
La Fave have so long been craving. The energy
continues with a short but lively version of 'Soul
Revival' with La Fave's impassioned cry to humanity's
plight. Pressley's lyrical, vivid cello playing is
again featured on this album with such tracks as 'Pendulum', 'Make Believe', and 'Nicole', backed by the beautiful finger style guitar playing of La Fave.
Again the duo have fun singing together on the track 'Runaway', with La Fave's autobiographical lyrics about working with at-risk youth. 'Tarantella', a traditional Italian dance is a fun interlude between more serious tracks and continues the eclectic world-music sound the band is known for.
The album closes with yet another dark and underworldly song, 'No Way Out', which speaks to the musicians' world view and makes you wonder where they are headed next.
The quality of the CD is ten steps above their first, self-titled album which was recorded in their friend's living room. Although it is shorter, the solid production levels in the studio recording make up for what lacks in length. Pressley's photos of El Salvador on the cover are a colorful supplement as well.
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