Meanflower
a distant episode
Offset Records
By Kevin Minihan
 In
the summer of 2002 the Virginia based group Meanflower laid down
a handful of tracks which would become their third and latest
release, a distant episode. To say these 4 boys are low
key would be an understatement. If you are looking for blistering
guitar runs and mind blowing solos, you have come to the wrong
place. In fact, Meanflower's release is at the opposite end
of the spectrum. Their style is so laid back and melancholy,
it could even be called lazy. Is this a bad thing? Not at all.
In fact, it is a nice change of pace from a lot of the 'yee-haw'
over-distorted alt-country that we hear these days. Brothers
Dave and Tom McCormack, both playing guitar and lending vocals,
keep it simple and loose. The fact that many of the tracks were
recorded live explains the occasional off key harmony or flat
guitar note. However, this is more than made up for with the
addition of a warm accordion and subtle piano at the right moments.
In "Postmark New Mexico," McCormack pines for a
lover who has moved to Santa Fe. He realizes he has stuck around
his hometown too long and is wrestling with the decision of whether
to go and be with the one he loves or stay with the safe and
familiar.
She made a home in Santa Fe
Under the stars, out on the red dirt clay
She's got my heart out there
And I lie awake at night just thinking
The tune "Baby's Off to Sleep" takes an interesting
turn. It starts off as a syrupy lullaby to a girlfriend, speaking
of how peaceful she looks. But with just an acoustic guitar
and some sweet harmonies, the brothers McCormack start to reveal
their true intentions for the night.
My baby's off to sleep
She closes her big brown eyes
Goodnight my sweet, see you on the other side
And out side my window, the stars are bright burning red
My Dodge waits by the curbside
And it sees the night, it sees the night
I'm gonna slip away
There is nothing mind blowing here at all. But really, does
every album need to be controversial or earth shattering? I
think not. Sometimes you just want to put on a CD and relax.
If that is your mission, then this disk is for you. Grab yourself
a drink, sit back in your easy chair and unwind. There's more
slow slide guitar, simple harmonies and southern charm then you
can shake a stick at. Enjoy, but be sure to set your alarm clock
in case you nod off.
*www.milesofmusic.com
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