The Washover Fans – That Habit Suits You
A “washover fan” is a term used by scientists for those sandy landforms that wash in over an island or spit of land during a storm. A member of this Washington-based acoustic Americana quartet must be a hydrologist, soil scientist or geologist. But the real “gist” of the matter is that The Washover Fans play an appealing mix of organic and expressive contemporary folk on their promising nine-track debut album, <i>That Habit Suits You</i>. Together since 2009, The Washover Fans include Gillian Tart (guitar), David Smith (guitar, mandolin, percussion), Colin Isler (guitar, cello, harmonica), and Seth Hayden (lead guitar, mandolin, banjo). All but Hayden contribute vocals. Their musical influences stem from each member’s personal experience and upbringing in New England, Washington, North Carolina and Georgia.
Despite the fact that their earthy music is all-original, they have a keen ability to take us back to roots, drawn from old-timey front porch sounds as well as folk-rock and alt-country. The Washover Fans’ songs with slower tempos strive for evocative mood pieces with enticing vocals and aesthetic instrumental accompaniment. The story at the opener concludes, “I’m gonna get mine, and you’re gonna get yours.” Songs like “Light Sweet Crude,” “The Last Thing” and “A Ways” address fundamental visions of life from struggle to survival, love to heartbreak, perseverance to commitment…visions with strength that are hard to avoid. Gillian Tart’s interpretive journey in “Santa Fe” takes her from Alaska to Seattle to the desert, and finally to New Mexico. I’d encourage this band to include their original lyrics in the CD jackets of future releases, as well as online. Despite the scarcity of liner notes, I understand that all of the band members share the songwriting, and the cohesion and collaboration of the ensemble is reflected in their arrangements. I was also pleased to hear them occasionally pick up the pace with songs like “Soldier” and “Last Place to Go.” “Honeys” has a unique arrangement and catchy hook. While I enjoyed the fills of cello, harmonica, mandolin, banjo and lead guitar, I was also left wishing their mix had included some guest fiddle on a few of the numbers. Despite these minor pitfalls, it’s still an auspicious debut for this Puget Sound area band. They demonstrate a voice and sensibility beyond their years, and they seem ready for more than open mic showcases, taverns, cafes and coffeehouses. Count me as a Washover Fans fan! (Joe Ross, CD Insight)
