Artist:Futurebirds
Release: Hampton's Lullaby
Released: 2010
Label: Autumn Tone Records
Catalog#:ATR 012
Format: FLAC / Lossless / Log (100%) / Cue
Country: USA
Style: americana,folk

1	Johnny Utah	5:00
2	There Is No Place for This to Go	4:22
3	A.P.O.	4:25
4	Sam Jones	4:56
5	Battle for Rome	4:16
6	Yur Not Ded	5:24
7	Happy Animals5:02
8	Aquarium Floor	5:35
9	Man With No Knees	4:40
10	Ski Chalet	5:35
11	Hampton's Lullaby	5:49


Futurebirds would like you to think that they are just a bunch of “unruly boys from Georgia.” They have back stories with folksy anecdotes that involve raising stray dogs, blowing up stink bombs, and generally “raising hell.” Their music tells a different story, however. Though it certainly has some down home hard drinkin’ sass, Futurebirds’ sound is also painstakingly crafted and considerably dense. Pedal steel laps up against banjo, piano, mandolin and psychedelic guitar – and the mile wide reverb blends everything into a weighty alt-country sound that evokes a meeting of early My Morning Jacket and Uncle Tupelo. Though the boys seem to aspire a Waylon Jennings “outlaw country” ideal, their experimental leanings actually make for a more unique (and interesting) polyblend. Their debut record, Hampton’s Lullaby, is full of such nuance and bespeaks a promising start for the young band.

The record’s first track, “Johnny Utah,” is also its best – setting the record’s eclectic tone as well as a high bar. The tune starts out with some Eastern sounding strings before launching into a bittersweet melody that, if not for the delicate touch of pedal steel, would fit comfortably under the indie rock genre. Labels don’t sit easily on the band though as they navigate the front end of the record, seamlessly integrating gothic country, rock, and experimental folk. Haunting vocal harmonies give “There is no Place for this to Go” a melancholy longing, while an undercurrent of honkytonk piano gets the toe tapping. Guitar distortion cuts a swath through the center of “Sam Jones’” banjo plucking and effects pedals, making for one of the most unique tracks on the album. And while “Battle For Rome’s” Drive-By-Truckers style of hard kicking country is less ambiguous, it still makes for a great tune.