The Avett Brothers

Fri., May 11, 8 p.m., with Langhorne Slim, The Troc, 1003 Arch St.

by John Vettese

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Published: May 8, 2007

rock/pop

(CLICK IMAGE FOR LARGER VERSION)

You're young, probably in your 20s or something. Reckless and ribald, you're ensnared by infatuation and guided by libido, selfishly indulging at loft parties or in cluttered one-bedroom apartments. Then you flee, leaving behind a dust cloud of despondency and hurt that's best treated by bourbon. Act avaricious, evade attachment, repeat: It's prototypical male id behavior that The Avett Brothers have previously explored through punked-up acoustic bluegrass. And eventually, it gets old. "My life is different now, I swear," Scott Avett sings on "Shame." "I know what it means to care about somebody other than myself." Emotionalism (Ramseur) seems like a terrible title for such an excellent album, until you get into the songs. The brothers from Concord, N.C., are now regretful and reflective, self-effacing, brutally honest about their wrongdoings and pleading for another chance that they may or may not deserve. Traces of young lust linger � their ongoing "Pretty Girl From ... " series hits on Chile and San Diego this time � but more important, we get acknowledgement ("All My Mistakes," "I Would Be Sad") of the mess that lust can leave behind. Before, the Avetts would dazzle us with their ability to wreck their vocal cords and headbang to bucolic banjo lines. Now, for the first time, they're opening up and letting us in through introspective universal truths. You'll relate. It will make you uncomfortable. You'll learn.

Fri., May 11, 8 p.m., $18-$22 (or $25-$29 includes limited-edition CD), with Langhorne Slim, The Troc, 1003 Arch St., 215-922-LIVE, www.thetroc.com.

 

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