aaamusic | On 17, May 2013

Named after an island of the coast of Savannah, Georgia, Little Tybee release their second Album For Distant Viewing.

The opening track instantly makes me fall in love with its jazzy feel and romantic vibe.  It transports the listener to an unknown place, somewhere between Paris and New Orleans. Taking elements from country, jazz, folk and dream pop all at once; Little Tybee brilliantly creates an amalgam of sounds in a superb, creative and soothing way.

Mind grenade and Hearing Blues are “the American sound”; with a big drum sound and nice warm vocals, these songs really strike my mind. The melodies are as catchy as the violin motives and is pretty clear these guys have great musicianship. They are most likely to be an amazing live band.

Fantastic planet is the most melancholic track, and it is where the Psichedelia takes place. This song reminds me of an acoustic version of the electronic French duet Air.  The layers are created by a great string arrangement, making it hard not to feel the trip. It is one of the finest tracks in the whole album. And just when we were feeling inside Moonlight In Paris or any other movie that takes place in the French capital, a progressive electric guitar reminds us, we are in American territory and this guys are actually from Atlanta, and we are listening to their song Herman.

Box Car, takes us back to a more soothing sound; Brock Scott’s sweet and engaging vocals just sound fresh. As Jury Duty and The Boldest Lines comes by, the entire atmosphere becomes as sunny and happy as a summer day. Castle sounds a bit similar to the rest of the tracks, and yes, very lovely indeed, but it is the weakest link in the album. Left right is the jazziest song of all. Personally, not being a fan of virtuosity, it sounds a bit too intellectual and snobbish to me. I prefer their more pop and fun songs.

The album finishes with a mesmerizing bossa nova guitar, that leaves me craving for more. If Little Tybee are playing in a town near you, I would recommend not missing it.

★★★★★

Laura Carvajalino