Fruit Bats - Spelled In Bones

Eric Johnson’s Fruit Bats are unabashed children of the seventies, whether by birth or by inspiration. Given this disposition, I would rethink the title of Spelled in Bones, opting to use the title for the song “Born in the 70s” instead, the mellow masterpiece and crown jewel of the album. Not to speak badly of the song “Spelled in Bones,” It’s certainly a favorite. “Born in the 70s” is just more fitting. The Fruit Bats evoke many songwriting legends of that decade. Rather than try to name all the potential influences, I will just inform you that all the coolest ones are present. Mellow is the operative word for most of the album. Mellow, but rarely tiring. Songs crest and fall, and rise again. Beautiful vocals complement equally vintage guitar and piano. While the songs are fairly straightforward, an array of instruments and sounds are gently and effectively used in the background from bells to lap steel to the occasional space effect. Listening to “Spelled in Bones” makes me feel emotional and vaguely turbulent, despite its laid-back persona. There’s some potent stuff latent in these affable chords. [www.fruitbatsmusic.com]