Tall Firs: Tall Firs : Music Reviews : Rolling Stone

Album Reviews

Brooklyn band Tall Firs specialize in psychedelic folk drones, getting a vast sense of open space into their music despite the simple ingredients. Guitarists Dave Mies and Aaron Mullan are usually playing acoustic axes, yet they're steeped in a noise-rock aesthetic (Mullan is Sonic Youth's touring soundman) even when the volume is low, harking back to abstract Nineties bands such as Slint and Bedhead. In gems like "The Breeze" and "The Woods," their duo vocals are moody, without squawking in that already dated freak-folk style; the guitars are occasionally colored by chimes, organ and brushed drums. "Go Whiskey" has the high, lonesome shiver of an old Townes Van Zandt record, except without any obvious country affectations. If your idea of staying warm on a winter night is a bottle of bourbon and a bleak memory, Tall Firs will make excellent company.