Coming in the December issue of Performing Songwriter
It’s rare that a band can capture you as quickly as Carbon Leaf does on “Learn t o Fly,” the opening track of Love, Loss, Hope, Repeat. A soaring chorus, a catchy melody, a jingle-jangly 12-string guitar—what’s not to like?
With this album the beloved Richmond, Va.-based band transcends the label of “likeable” to “exceptional.” Long known for their outstanding musicianship—guitarist Carter Gravatt in particular continues to impress—and clever, storytelling lyrics, they’ve raised the bar with their songwriting.
The album is filled with songs that instantly get stuck in your head—the aforementioned “Learn to Fly,” “Under the Wire” and the title track. Themes of love and loss (hence the title) appear in gems “A Girl and Her Horse” and “Comfort,” examples of lyricist/lead singer Barry Privett’s most eloquent work yet. Love, Loss, Hope, Repeat is four easy steps to rock ’n’ roll bliss. —AW
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