Smokey Rolls Down Thunder Canyon - Devendra Banhart Album Review

Photo By:Elly Roberts

Album Review

To get the ambience for his latest weird and wonderful offering, handsome Devendra Banhart , co-producer Noah Georgeson and engineer Beauraymond Fletcher shacked up in a rustic hillside home in the longstanding bohemian enclave of Topanga north of Los Angeles. The vista was that of the nearest canyon, hence the Smokey Rolls Down Thunder Canyon.

On this his fifth release, Banhart continues to lead the psych-folk brigade. Much of his influenes come from time spent with his grandmother in Venezuela and gypsys in Europe, so there's another eclectic mix, combined with his own beguiling creations which are mischevious, playful and outstanding. When you look at the tracklisting, you can pretty much get the gist of things. Since the beginning, he's been on the edge of mainstream, and certainly despite the critical acclaim, similar to Rufus Wainwright until recently, Banhart may never be anything other than a cult artist like Marc Bolan in early T.Rex. Bolan effectively 'sold out' to hit the big time, though I doubt if Banhart will do that. On occassions there's the Bolan vocal quiver, which immediately draws comparisons with the Glam-Rock god. There's a lot of fantasy stuff going on too, which is absolutely delightful, polarised by more earthly emotions, for a change. There is a reason for that, in a bit. Showing his bi-lingual skills, Latino flavoured Samba Vexillographica is a loaded jam targetted at the feet, with charango ( south American mandolin ) courtesy Black Crowes' Chris Robinson, whereas Cristobal eases us in gently with sublime harp sways and guitar picks along with his haunting voice.

So Long Old Bean shows he still got originality in a sometimes dull musical world. Smokey... also points to relationship break up with Bianca Casady of CocoRosie as referenced on I Remember, a subtle progression, and dare I say it, hints of maturity.

We don't want or need too much maturity though, because the charm comes from some of his child-like fantasies.

As if to remind him of his newly found solo status, he snaps out of his remorse and has some fun with freewheeling Carmenista and funked up Lover, again a sign of a gradual progression.Of all the tracks, this would be a single that might just crack him in the mainstream in the UK. One of the major highlights, as an audio experience anyway, is the Spanish sung Rosa, which may be another pointer at ex Rosie. I Remember is a direct reference, turning out to be the most tender piece he's ever written -

I remember a faraway laugh, a sweet caresse....endless didn't last.

Here we actually here the voice with out the hippy warble.

Seahorse, a stirring grungy rocker would please Neil Young and his fans no end ,( Banhart's new mentor is Young's manager ) so there may be some grooming going on now.

Playing it right down the middle, the magestic Freely, is one monster of a ballad.

It's a gas. Amazing man.

Elly Roberts