MV & EE: Space Homestead

     Folk Rock is nowhere near as cut and dry as those on the outside, unfamiliar with it, would think.  As musicians become more experimental and open-minded about their influence, the genre is no longer an acoustic guitar strapped over the shoulder of a politically minded crooner.   One offshoot of the folk movement is the formulation of the freak folk movement, where the traditional folk sensibilities are washed in effects, adding an ethereal quality of the songs.  A prime example of this is Vermont folksters, MV& EE, and there latest effort, Space Homestead.
    Space Homestead is a very fitting name for the album, as the entire album is sweet comforting vocals,matched with acoustic guitars,  then laced with psychedelics effects.  The result is the best of both worlds, an atmospheric journey, and cheery sing-a-longs.  The album allows the music to flow into uncharted waters, but is still tethered by melody.  Think less Bob Dylan, more Neil Young.
     Towards the second half of the album, Space Homestead enters darker territory, albeit following the same basic MV & EE formula.  The song " To Far To See" has a much gloomier tone than its predecessors, and has a relatively cheery mood before going into a bold, fuzzed out, guitar solo.  Even these  melancholy songs are enhanced by the thick psychedelic guitar, and subtle vocal reverbs.
     Space Homestead is not for everyone.  As previously stated, it may not be as simple to the listener as typical folk artists. Those who listen to the album must be ready for the layering and instrumentation of a full band, rather than a duo.  Those who are willing to put up with the slow lilting sounds will be rewarded with an enjoyable journey through a solid languid folk album.