Freed

You may not be familiar with The Cave Singers, but one listen to their latest release, Naomi, and that will surely change. Formed by post-punker Pretty Girls Make Graves member Derek Fudesco, the four piece in The Cave Singers partnered up with producer Phi Ek (Modest Mouse, Fleet Foxes) to bring a more mature and refined sound to the album. So long are the days of back porch banjo sessions, although we’re sure to see its influence. With their fourth release, The Cave Singers have been able to find their voice among the 12 developed songs.

Kicking off the album is “Canopy,” an upbeat, beachy tune that’s far away from the mystical sounding tunes you’d be expecting. In fact, nearly all the twelve songs on the album have an (upbeat) retro summer vibe, a perfect mix for the upcoming lazy afternoons. “It’s a Crime” features a darker layer, helping to break up the seemingly sugary and bright album, and I wouldn’t be surprised to hear “Easy Way” as a radio hit with its catchy lyrics and feel-good beats. However, the album highlight is “Northern Lights,” where you see Ek’s Fleet Foxes influence with acoustic guitar strings and southern vocals.

While Naomi might weigh more toward the pop side of music vs. a singer-songwriter element, the album is both laid back and engaging.  The Cave Singers have grown to a place of finding their voice, now it’s only a matter of refinement.