Duvall - Volume & Density

The Smoking Popes' album Born To Quit might be one of my favorite albums, and that, combined with the fact that Duvall are signed to Asian Man Records (my favorite record label), forced me to listen to this album. Finding God was apparently the biggest reason that singer/songwriter Josh Caterer left the incredibly influential Smoking Popes, and he makes that transformation clear via lyrical content in Duvall. The band has had a few past releases, but this is their first full-length album. Not straying from the formula that he's known for, Caterer (along with his brother Eli, and drummer Rob Kellenberger) keeps churning out beauty. The band is pure melody, but in a very mature sense, and Caterer's voice is as angelic as it has ever been. Every track is memorable, slow to lose its charm, and you still get to hear some fine guitar work, too. The chorus to "Standing At The Door" is instantly memorable. The band even manages to work ol' Jesus into some of the lyrics without preaching or sounding... cheesy, for lack of a better word. Heard the song "True" by Spandau Ballet? I didn't realize I had until Duvall's version started playing. It's hard to pick out a highlight since every song is so good, but if you like one track on Volume And Density, you'll probably love the entire record. What else would you expect from a band that Steven Morrissey (yeah, that guy from The Smiths) called "the best band in the United States"? [www.asianmanrecords.com]