The Carpenter - review - The Avett Brothers

On their second album helmed by rock auteur Rick Rubin (and seventh full-length overall), The Carpenter, the North Carolina siblings deliver another gorgeously crafted set of sad and soulful laments laced with acoustic guitars, sharply punctuated piano, and delicate cello. From the moving reflection on death ”The Once and Future Carpenter” to the rollicking ”Pretty Girl From Michigan,” it’s a harmonious, cohesive album — like hope and regret all shaken up in a mason jar. A-

Best Tracks:
The Once and Future Carpenter
Life