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The Avett Brothers|True Sadness

True Sadness

The Avett Brothers

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There's a melancholy to the title of the Avett Brothers' 2016 album True Sadness, but the album's tone doesn't mirror its name. Certainly, there's a bit of a sorrowful undercurrent, something that surfaces on "Divorce Separation Blues," but often there's a buoyancy to the music's spirit, a lightness that's evident even in the burnished bluegrass ballads, tunes where the harmonies and plucked strings combine into a sense of sweetness. Always throwbacks at heart, the Avett Brothers temper their rough-hewn retro affectations by brightening the corners with hints of electronic rhythms and polish, a sly update executed with precision by Rick Rubin. Despite this breezy modern air, the Avett Brothers and Rubin alike are on firmer ground when the amplifiers are cranked just loud enough to growl and the rhythms lumber along with the slow, hazy crawl of Southern rock. This heavier attack distinguishes the Avett Brothers from the ranks of standard-issue Americana -- a genre where austere authenticity often matters more than gut-level force -- but what distinguishes True Sadness from previous Avett albums is how this force intermingles with lighter moments. Sometimes this airiness is evident in ballads that indeed carry a melancholic pull; sometimes the levity derives from those camouflaged electronic elements, moments that play like sun drifting in from parted clouds. Tonally, these seemingly conflicted feelings match because they play like the sadness is slowly lifting away. Far from being an album for wallowing in the depths of grief, True Sadness is a record about the emergence of hope.

© Stephen Thomas Erlewine /TiVo

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True Sadness

The Avett Brothers

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1
Ain't No Man
00:03:32

Rick Rubin, Producer - Eric Lynn, Recording Engineer, Production Coordinator, StudioPersonnel - The Avett Brothers, MainArtist - Scott Avett, Banjo, Acoustic Guitar, Vocals, Harmonica, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Seth Avett, Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Percussion, Piano, Vocals, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer, Bass (Vocal) - Mike Marsh, Drums, Percussion, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Joshua Smith, Recording Engineer, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Jason Lader, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Dana Nielsen, Recording Engineer, Mix Engineer, Programming, AssociatedPerformer, StudioPersonnel - Scott Yancey Avett, ComposerLyricist - Timothy Seth Avett, ComposerLyricist - Tania Elizabeth, Percussion, Violin, Fiddle, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Aki Nishimura, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Bob Crawford, Percussion, Viola, Upright Bass, Electric Bass, Guitarron, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Robert William Crawford, Jr., ComposerLyricist - Sean Oakley, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Joe Kwon, Cello, Percussion, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Dave Hanych, Production Coordinator, StudioPersonnel - Paul Defiglia, Double Bass, Organ, Percussion, Piano, Hammond B3, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Missy Thangs, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - John Pfiffner, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Dave Covell, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel

℗ 2016 Republic Records, a division of UMG Recordings, Inc.

2
Mama, I Don't Believe
00:04:16

Rick Rubin, Producer - Eric Lynn, Recording Engineer, Production Coordinator, StudioPersonnel - The Avett Brothers, MainArtist - Scott Avett, Banjo, Acoustic Guitar, Vocals, Harmonica, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Seth Avett, Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Percussion, Piano, Vocals, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer, Bass (Vocal) - Mike Marsh, Drums, Percussion, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Joshua Smith, Recording Engineer, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Jason Lader, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Dana Nielsen, Recording Engineer, Mix Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Scott Yancey Avett, ComposerLyricist - Timothy Seth Avett, ComposerLyricist - Tania Elizabeth, Percussion, Violin, Fiddle, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Aki Nishimura, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Bob Crawford, Percussion, Viola, Upright Bass, Electric Bass, Guitarron, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Robert William Crawford, Jr., ComposerLyricist - Sean Oakley, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Joe Kwon, Cello, Percussion, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Dave Hanych, Production Coordinator, StudioPersonnel - Paul Defiglia, Double Bass, Organ, Percussion, Piano, Hammond B3, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Missy Thangs, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - John Pfiffner, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Dave Covell, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel

℗ 2016 Republic Records, a division of UMG Recordings, Inc.

3
No Hard Feelings
00:05:14

Rick Rubin, Producer - Eric Lynn, Recording Engineer, Production Coordinator, StudioPersonnel - The Avett Brothers, MainArtist - Scott Avett, Banjo, Acoustic Guitar, Vocals, Harmonica, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Seth Avett, Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Percussion, Piano, Vocals, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer, Bass (Vocal) - Mike Marsh, Drums, Percussion, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Joshua Smith, Recording Engineer, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Jason Lader, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Dana Nielsen, Recording Engineer, Mix Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Scott Yancey Avett, ComposerLyricist - Timothy Seth Avett, ComposerLyricist - Tania Elizabeth, Percussion, Violin, Fiddle, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Aki Nishimura, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Bob Crawford, Percussion, Viola, Upright Bass, Electric Bass, Guitarron, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Robert William Crawford, Jr., ComposerLyricist - Sean Oakley, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Joe Kwon, Cello, Percussion, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Dave Hanych, Production Coordinator, StudioPersonnel - Paul Defiglia, Double Bass, Organ, Percussion, Piano, Hammond B3, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Missy Thangs, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - John Pfiffner, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Dave Covell, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel

℗ 2016 Republic Records, a division of UMG Recordings, Inc.

4
Smithsonian
00:04:33

Rick Rubin, Producer - Eric Lynn, Recording Engineer, Production Coordinator, StudioPersonnel - The Avett Brothers, MainArtist - Scott Avett, Banjo, Acoustic Guitar, Vocals, Harmonica, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Seth Avett, Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Percussion, Piano, Vocals, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer, Bass (Vocal) - Mike Marsh, Drums, Percussion, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Joshua Smith, Recording Engineer, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Jason Lader, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Dana Nielsen, Recording Engineer, Mix Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Scott Yancey Avett, ComposerLyricist - Timothy Seth Avett, ComposerLyricist - Tania Elizabeth, Percussion, Violin, Fiddle, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Aki Nishimura, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Bob Crawford, Percussion, Viola, Upright Bass, Electric Bass, Guitarron, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Robert William Crawford, Jr., ComposerLyricist - Sean Oakley, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Joe Kwon, Cello, Percussion, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Dave Hanych, Production Coordinator, StudioPersonnel - Paul Defiglia, Double Bass, Organ, Percussion, Piano, Hammond B3, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Missy Thangs, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - John Pfiffner, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Dave Covell, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel

℗ 2016 Republic Records, a division of UMG Recordings, Inc.

5
You Are Mine
00:03:28

Rick Rubin, Producer - Eric Lynn, Recording Engineer, Production Coordinator, StudioPersonnel - The Avett Brothers, MainArtist - Scott Avett, Banjo, Acoustic Guitar, Vocals, Harmonica, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Seth Avett, Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Percussion, Piano, Vocals, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer, Bass (Vocal) - Mike Marsh, Drums, Percussion, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Joshua Smith, Recording Engineer, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Jason Lader, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Dana Nielsen, Recording Engineer, Mix Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Scott Yancey Avett, ComposerLyricist - Timothy Seth Avett, ComposerLyricist - Tania Elizabeth, Percussion, Violin, Fiddle, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Aki Nishimura, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Bob Crawford, Percussion, Viola, Upright Bass, Electric Bass, Guitarron, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Robert William Crawford, Jr., ComposerLyricist - Sean Oakley, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Joe Kwon, Cello, Percussion, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Dave Hanych, Production Coordinator, StudioPersonnel - Paul Defiglia, Double Bass, Organ, Percussion, Piano, Hammond B3, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Missy Thangs, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - John Pfiffner, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Dave Covell, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel

℗ 2016 Republic Records, a division of UMG Recordings, Inc.

6
Satan Pulls The Strings
00:03:08

Rick Rubin, Producer - Eric Lynn, Recording Engineer, Production Coordinator, StudioPersonnel - The Avett Brothers, MainArtist - Scott Avett, Banjo, Acoustic Guitar, Vocals, Harmonica, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Seth Avett, Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Percussion, Piano, Vocals, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer, Bass (Vocal) - Mike Marsh, Drums, Percussion, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Joshua Smith, Recording Engineer, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Jason Lader, Electric Guitar, Recording Engineer, Synthesizer, Drum Programming, AssociatedPerformer, StudioPersonnel - Dana Nielsen, Recording Engineer, Mix Engineer, Moog Bass, AssociatedPerformer, StudioPersonnel - Scott Yancey Avett, ComposerLyricist - Timothy Seth Avett, ComposerLyricist - Tania Elizabeth, Percussion, Violin, Fiddle, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Aki Nishimura, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Bob Crawford, Percussion, Viola, Upright Bass, Electric Bass, Guitarron, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Robert William Crawford, Jr., ComposerLyricist - Sean Oakley, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Joe Kwon, Cello, Percussion, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Dave Hanych, Production Coordinator, StudioPersonnel - Paul Defiglia, Double Bass, Organ, Percussion, Piano, Hammond B3, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Missy Thangs, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - John Pfiffner, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Dave Covell, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel

℗ 2016 Republic Records, a division of UMG Recordings, Inc.

7
True Sadness
00:04:35

Rick Rubin, Producer - Eric Lynn, Recording Engineer, Production Coordinator, StudioPersonnel - The Avett Brothers, MainArtist - Scott Avett, Banjo, Acoustic Guitar, Vocals, Harmonica, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Seth Avett, Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Percussion, Piano, Vocals, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer, Bass (Vocal) - Mike Marsh, Drums, Percussion, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Joshua Smith, Recording Engineer, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Jason Lader, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Dana Nielsen, Recording Engineer, Mellotron, Mix Engineer, AssociatedPerformer, StudioPersonnel - Scott Yancey Avett, ComposerLyricist - Timothy Seth Avett, ComposerLyricist - Tania Elizabeth, Percussion, Violin, Fiddle, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Aki Nishimura, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Bob Crawford, Percussion, Viola, Upright Bass, Electric Bass, Guitarron, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Robert William Crawford, Jr., ComposerLyricist - Sean Oakley, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Joe Kwon, Cello, Percussion, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Dave Hanych, Production Coordinator, StudioPersonnel - Paul Defiglia, Double Bass, Organ, Percussion, Piano, Hammond B3, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Missy Thangs, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - John Pfiffner, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Dave Covell, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel

℗ 2016 Republic Records, a division of UMG Recordings, Inc.

8
I Wish I Was
00:05:16

Rick Rubin, Producer - Eric Lynn, Recording Engineer, Production Coordinator, StudioPersonnel - The Avett Brothers, MainArtist - Scott Avett, Banjo, Acoustic Guitar, Vocals, Harmonica, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Seth Avett, Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Percussion, Piano, Vocals, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer, Bass (Vocal) - Mike Marsh, Drums, Percussion, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Joshua Smith, Recording Engineer, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Jason Lader, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Dana Nielsen, Recording Engineer, Mix Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Scott Yancey Avett, ComposerLyricist - Timothy Seth Avett, ComposerLyricist - Tania Elizabeth, Percussion, Violin, Fiddle, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Aki Nishimura, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Bob Crawford, Percussion, Viola, Upright Bass, Electric Bass, Guitarron, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Robert William Crawford, Jr., ComposerLyricist - Sean Oakley, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Joe Kwon, Cello, Percussion, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Dave Hanych, Production Coordinator, StudioPersonnel - Paul Defiglia, Double Bass, Organ, Percussion, Piano, Hammond B3, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Missy Thangs, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - John Pfiffner, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Dave Covell, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel

℗ 2016 Republic Records, a division of UMG Recordings, Inc.

9
Fisher Road To Hollywood
00:04:23

Rick Rubin, Producer - Eric Lynn, Recording Engineer, Production Coordinator, StudioPersonnel - The Avett Brothers, MainArtist - Scott Avett, Banjo, Acoustic Guitar, Vocals, Harmonica, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Seth Avett, Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Percussion, Piano, Vocals, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer, Bass (Vocal) - Mike Marsh, Drums, Percussion, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Joshua Smith, Recording Engineer, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Jason Lader, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Dana Nielsen, Recording Engineer, Harmonium, Mix Engineer, AssociatedPerformer, StudioPersonnel - Scott Yancey Avett, ComposerLyricist - Timothy Seth Avett, ComposerLyricist - Tania Elizabeth, Percussion, Violin, Fiddle, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Aki Nishimura, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Bob Crawford, Percussion, Viola, Upright Bass, Electric Bass, Guitarron, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Robert William Crawford, Jr., ComposerLyricist - Sean Oakley, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Joe Kwon, Cello, Percussion, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Dave Hanych, Production Coordinator, StudioPersonnel - Paul Defiglia, Double Bass, Organ, Percussion, Piano, Hammond B3, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Missy Thangs, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - John Pfiffner, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Dave Covell, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel

℗ 2016 Republic Records, a division of UMG Recordings, Inc.

10
Victims Of Life
00:02:59

Rick Rubin, Producer - Eric Lynn, Recording Engineer, Production Coordinator, StudioPersonnel - The Avett Brothers, MainArtist - Scott Avett, Banjo, Acoustic Guitar, Vocals, Harmonica, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Seth Avett, Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Percussion, Piano, Vocals, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer, Bass (Vocal) - Mike Marsh, Drums, Percussion, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Joshua Smith, Recording Engineer, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Jason Lader, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Dana Nielsen, Recording Engineer, Mix Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Scott Yancey Avett, ComposerLyricist - Timothy Seth Avett, ComposerLyricist - Tania Elizabeth, Percussion, Violin, Fiddle, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Aki Nishimura, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Bob Crawford, Percussion, Viola, Upright Bass, Electric Bass, Guitarron, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Robert William Crawford, Jr., ComposerLyricist - Sean Oakley, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Joe Kwon, Cello, Percussion, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Dave Hanych, Production Coordinator, StudioPersonnel - Paul Defiglia, Double Bass, Organ, Percussion, Piano, Hammond B3, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Missy Thangs, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - John Pfiffner, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Dave Covell, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel

℗ 2016 Republic Records, a division of UMG Recordings, Inc.

11
Divorce Separation Blues
00:04:56

Rick Rubin, Producer - Eric Lynn, Recording Engineer, Production Coordinator, StudioPersonnel - The Avett Brothers, MainArtist - Scott Avett, Banjo, Acoustic Guitar, Vocals, Harmonica, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Seth Avett, Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Percussion, Piano, Vocals, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer, Bass (Vocal) - Mike Marsh, Drums, Percussion, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Joshua Smith, Recording Engineer, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Jason Lader, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Dana Nielsen, Recording Engineer, Mix Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Scott Yancey Avett, ComposerLyricist - Timothy Seth Avett, ComposerLyricist - Tania Elizabeth, Percussion, Violin, Fiddle, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Aki Nishimura, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Bob Crawford, Percussion, Viola, Upright Bass, Electric Bass, Guitarron, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Robert William Crawford, Jr., ComposerLyricist - Sean Oakley, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Joe Kwon, Cello, Percussion, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Dave Hanych, Production Coordinator, StudioPersonnel - Paul Defiglia, Double Bass, Organ, Percussion, Piano, Hammond B3, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Missy Thangs, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - John Pfiffner, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Dave Covell, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel

℗ 2016 Republic Records, a division of UMG Recordings, Inc.

12
May It Last
00:04:39

Rick Rubin, Producer - Eric Lynn, Recording Engineer, Production Coordinator, StudioPersonnel - The Avett Brothers, MainArtist - Scott Avett, Banjo, Acoustic Guitar, Vocals, Harmonica, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Seth Avett, Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Percussion, Piano, Vocals, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer, Bass (Vocal) - Mike Marsh, Drums, Percussion, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Joshua Smith, Recording Engineer, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Jason Lader, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Dana Nielsen, Recording Engineer, Mix Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Scott Yancey Avett, ComposerLyricist - Timothy Seth Avett, ComposerLyricist - Tania Elizabeth, Percussion, Violin, Fiddle, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Aki Nishimura, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Bob Crawford, Percussion, Viola, Upright Bass, Electric Bass, Guitarron, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Robert William Crawford, Jr., ComposerLyricist - Sean Oakley, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Joe Kwon, Cello, Percussion, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Dave Hanych, Production Coordinator, StudioPersonnel - Paul Defiglia, Double Bass, Organ, Percussion, Piano, Hammond B3, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Missy Thangs, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - John Pfiffner, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Dave Covell, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel

℗ 2016 Republic Records, a division of UMG Recordings, Inc.

Album review

There's a melancholy to the title of the Avett Brothers' 2016 album True Sadness, but the album's tone doesn't mirror its name. Certainly, there's a bit of a sorrowful undercurrent, something that surfaces on "Divorce Separation Blues," but often there's a buoyancy to the music's spirit, a lightness that's evident even in the burnished bluegrass ballads, tunes where the harmonies and plucked strings combine into a sense of sweetness. Always throwbacks at heart, the Avett Brothers temper their rough-hewn retro affectations by brightening the corners with hints of electronic rhythms and polish, a sly update executed with precision by Rick Rubin. Despite this breezy modern air, the Avett Brothers and Rubin alike are on firmer ground when the amplifiers are cranked just loud enough to growl and the rhythms lumber along with the slow, hazy crawl of Southern rock. This heavier attack distinguishes the Avett Brothers from the ranks of standard-issue Americana -- a genre where austere authenticity often matters more than gut-level force -- but what distinguishes True Sadness from previous Avett albums is how this force intermingles with lighter moments. Sometimes this airiness is evident in ballads that indeed carry a melancholic pull; sometimes the levity derives from those camouflaged electronic elements, moments that play like sun drifting in from parted clouds. Tonally, these seemingly conflicted feelings match because they play like the sadness is slowly lifting away. Far from being an album for wallowing in the depths of grief, True Sadness is a record about the emergence of hope.

© Stephen Thomas Erlewine /TiVo

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