Barton Barebones3 Out Of 5 Stars
This is folk music in the most minimalist sense; The Civil Wars' "Barton Hollow" a male/female vocal duo using the barest of acoustic backgrounds. Hardly any percussion bangs around these songs, often there's none at all. The songs grow, bud and bloom on the basis of the strong melodies, terrific harmonies and the overall mellowness of the album. There was even a single that underscored the drama "Grey's Anatomy" for an episode, the arch but lovely "Poison and Wine."
Only once do The Civil Wars break into something resembling a rock song, and that's the title track. The opening harmonies are almost like a train whistle, and the guitars churn like they're headed right for the Southern Gothic station. (Reminded me just a touch of the theme to "Hell On Wheels," the AMC TV Western drama.) On the other hand, if that's the only song you've heard from the CD, you might be disappointed that the remainder of "Barton Hollow" is so mellow and spartan. Folkies and Americana fans can line up right here.
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