Iron & Wine tries out a new sound
Sam Beam, the one-man, mega-bearded soul behind Iron & Wine is going through a sound evolution in his most recent release, "Kiss Each Other Clean." What could be viewed as an artistic crisis in one vein can equally be viewed as a brilliant new endeavor for Beam. Ultimately it’s up to listeners whether they like the newfound flavor or desire a return to Iron & Wine’s original soft-spoken, quiet guitar and emotionally stunning lyrics.
The lyrics are still phenomenal on "Kiss Each Other Clean." No matter what Sam Beam does, his past albums and most recent release prove that he is quite incapable of writing bad lyrics. What sets this new venture apart from his previous albums is the almost schizophrenic instrumental qualities that create a framework for the album. Past listeners of Iron & Wine will be pleased to hear a resemblance of past albums like "Our Endless Numbered Days" and "The Creek Drank The Cradle" on a few new tracks like “Tree by the River” and “Half Moon.” Apart from these tracks though, all bets are essentially off for Beam’s creative license.
The album’s opening track, “Walking Far From Home,” eases listeners into Iron & Wine’s flight from the norm with audible drum beats, bass guitar (older albums were strictly acoustic) and ethereal chimes mixed with gritty static. On top of this mish-mash of noises, Beam simply and beautifully serenades with lyrics like, “I was walking far from home but I carried your letters all the while. I saw lovers in a window whisper, ‘Want me like time…”
“Big Burned Hand” might be the most confusing track on the entirety of "Kiss Each Other Clean," featuring influences that range from jam band, reggae, afro-indie pop all with Beam’s voice somewhat haphazardly thrown on top. While the album lacks any sense of coherence, not just with Beam’s previous albums but within itself, certain individual tracks are what give "Clean" it’s sole redeeming qualities … and the fact that you just might be a die-hard Iron & Wine lover.
Beam’s experimental nature culminates in the 7-minute track, “Your Fake Name Is Good Enough For Me.” Genres are swapped out rapidly, trading off big band quick-tempo guitars, saxophones and other jazz staples for a slower rhythm and more boiled down instruments. Nevertheless the track still comes off as heavy and indecisive for the most part. The end of the song features a lengthy repetition of Beam crooning, “We will become, become” a various array of things from an “ice cream cone” to “the whisper and the shout.”
"Kiss Each Other Clean" refuses to stay glued in one place. Sam Beam should absolutely be commended for stepping out of his extremely successful acoustic realm and engaging in experimental sounds and musical choices. While certain tracks really do shine through, the album tends to feel like it’s hidden behind one of those confused Christmas sweaters donned with jingle bells, plaid Yorkies and a fabric fireplace – nothing adds up to one complete, cohesive product. I’m all in favor of Iron & Wine playing dress-up with new styles, even adopting certain new sounds fulltime, but before releasing another album, Beam should pick one and hone in on it. The album’s potential for greatness seems to be clouded under the confusing style layering that Beam will eventually learn how to balance.
Don’t be entirely turned off though. Iron & Wine’s credibility will not diminish with this album, in fact, it could be a well-commended effort. To get the most out of "Kiss Each Other Clean," wipe all previous expectations out of mind and focus in on “Walking Far From Home,” “Tree By The River,” “Half Moon,” and give a listen to “Your Fake Name Is Good Enough For Me.” If anything, you’ll hands down be able to appreciate the creativity and time that Sam Beam put into his newest piece.
