Avett Brothers refine new studio sound

What does some heavily bearded dude named Rick Rubin stand to gain by having his fingerprints all over the latest disc from The Avett Brothers? Other than the inevitable cash haul, probably not that much considering that Rubin’s résumé as an established record production powerhouse includes collaboration with artists with names like The Beastie Boys, Metallica, and Shakira.

Which begs the opposite question—what does a self-made band like The Avett Brothers stand to gain by teaming up with a seasoned producer like Rubin?

For their sixth studio album I and Love and You, the Avetts seem to have chosen to place an emphasis on the word “studio,” a shift in production style that’s all too common for grassroots success stories who find themselves suddenly catapulted to the pressures and expectations of a national stage. But to their credit (and to Rubin’s), the Avetts found a way to deliver a fresh take on the signature sound by which they made their name—even if that sound has become smoother than Toby McMickleson’s velvet tuxedo.

Lyrically, it’s no surprise that The Avett Brothers continue to fashion words both candid and sincere, in line with the ones that established them as one of music’s most honest acts. On the album’s opening track, we find them beseeching approval from a New York City borough. “Brooklyn, Brooklyn, take me in,” the band pleads, openly announcing that perhaps it’s time to take a step away from the North Carolina roots they’ve championed on past records. “Murder In The City,” apparently, is no longer something to be worried about.

It’s what The Avett Brothers bring with them—a conscious, simple, even vulnerable form of expression in both music and lyrics—that makes their latest offering well worth a listen (and a purchase—only $7.99 at Best Buy!). “I wanna have pride like my mother has, and not like the kind in the Bible that turns you bad,” sings Scott Avett on “The Perfect Space,” a song that ought to knock off any one of Jay-Z’s ego-driven Blueprint 3 anthems from music lovers’ “Best of 2009” lists.

I and Love and You will be a pivotal record for the Avetts, greatly due to the fact that it will be many listeners’ introduction to the band. Rubin’s silky stamp will undoubtedly propel their music to whole new levels of exposure, and thankfully, the combination of thoughtful lyrics and abundant banjo plucking will please fans both old and new alike—increasing with each listen. To boot, each of the album’s thirteen tracks will make killer additions to the band’s already powerful live shows. Go ahead and get your hands on a copy.