Venice is Sinking- Sand & Lines

I had the privilege of reviewing last year’s EP Okay by Venice is Sinking. Somehow I got them again, this time for a live LP recorded at the now-defunct (but rebuilding) Georgia Theatre. If you’re leery about live albums (understandable), just know that there is no crowd, only the band performing. There’s no trace of this being live, beyond a few dialogue exchanges. Venice uses subdued baroque-pop to set the stage for their dense melodies, which led me to giving them praise on their EP. Each song is carefully wrung out, reaping the full benefits of the calculated musical approach.

Violins, violas, trumpets, and the Bardstown Orchestra all lend their services to the band’s sound on Sand & Lines. Recorded with just two microphones, the band plays all the way through and after that, nothing else was done – no mixing or whatever tricks that get turned in the studio. Armed with that knowledge, it makes you appreciate the band’s talent since they don’t use the studio as a crutch. Even if you didn’t know that it was recorded in one take, there’s a lot to like about Sands & Lines.

Venice throws in a Dolly Parton cover of “Jolene,” which they nail using a uniquely melancholic take. Surrounding “Jolene” is a collection of taught, focused songs that invites you in to a quaint little world by really engaging the listener. Venice impressively keeps their orchestra at bay, never letting them indulge in swelling mid-sections or anything that detracts from the gentle aesthetic. “Lucky Day” chugs along like an old county song, with a sweet sense of melody. “Falls City” opts for darker tones, while shifting to Karolyn Troupe to provide co-vocals. “Falls City” works like gangbusters with a beautifully melancholy melody amid the descending notes. “Bardstown Road” is a great minimalistic choir song, using only a synth, kick drum, and Christmas bells. Suffice it to say that Venice is Sinking is good at what they do, very good. Everything about the band is enjoyable. Not only should you check out this album, but let this be a guide to their previous, stellar work.