Album Review: The Waifs

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The Waifs

October 17, 2011, 8:15 am

Quick Review: I know what you're thinking. Since 2003's excellent album "Up All Night" with songs like "Lighthouse" and "London Still," where have The Waifs been? Did they break up? Disappear? Hit it big under an alternate name like "Coldplay?" Well, I guess we both missed something. The Waifs apparently released an album in 2007! Oh well, focus on the present...

Artist: The Waifs
Album: Temptation

The present is "Temptation." For those who are unaware, The Waifs are a folk trio from Australia. Two girls and a boy. I was expecting banjos. Check. Mandolins? Got it. Harmonica? Oh my, yes. But, what I wasn't expecting was the bluesy presence of an electric guitar. The album starts a little heavy, but it lightens up. They really hit their stride when they are at their darkest with "Temptation" and "Moses and the Lamb." The latter starts out as a distorted blues confessional, and morphs into a toe-tapping folk gospel song that's been on repeat in my cd player for a couple days.

The title temptation is biblical at some points, and may just refer to love at others. The album drags occasionally, but the majority of the songs are well crafted. If you don't know about The Waifs, it never hurts to try new things.

Even Quicker Review: Australian folk trio gets a little bluesier, back woods style.

Favorite Songs: Moses and the Lamb, Temptation, Day Dreamer

You should listen to this: If you prefer folk music to church.

Coming to Portland: Fingers crossed...