M. Ward - Hold Time
Merge Records
2/17/2009
Sure it's been ten months since the last Tweak The Eq record review, and if for no other reason that should be enough for you to rush out and buy this record. Hold Time, M. Ward's latest effort isn't just another great indie-folk record from the Jenny Watson / Bright Eyes set. This one takes Ward's willingness to experiment with alternative beat structures, instrumentation, and production techniques and creates an experience in sound. The production is much busier than on Ward's Post War, and one is reminded of the Phil Spector wall of sound technique, but this wall is grungy, and a little distorted, which is why it seems so strange that the overall effect is so calming and happy. Zooey Deschanel returns in a couple places on this album, this time as backup, and there are a few other featured backup singers as well. Ward holds sway, however, and each song is his song. I was a little surprised at the religious themes of some of the tracks, but there was certainly nothing threatening about it. It may even help to find a wider audience. Click-through purchasing is down right now (a victim of the ten-month sabbatical) but you can find the album here.
