Blind Pilot - We Are The Tide (2011) [FLAC]

Blind Pilot\'s new album We Are The Tide, released September 13th 2011. All files are in FLAC.


Blind Pilot presents the gentle side of indie music on “We Are the Tide,” the Portland, Ore., act’s follow-up to its 2008 debut, “3 Rounds and a Sound.”

The founding duo — frontman Israel Nebeker and drummer Ryan Dobrowski — has expanded its lineup to six with the addition of upright bass player Luke Ydstie, banjo/dulcimer player Kati Claborn, vibraphonist Ian Krist and keyboardist/trumpeter Dave Jorgensen. Blind Pilot now also glides on a more complicated sound than on that rather barebones first release.

Still, “We Are the Tide” is a bit too mellow for its own good.

The combination of Nebeker’s sweet vocals, the warm rootsy/folksie arrangements and the thought-provoking tone of the lyrics creates a touching atmosphere. Extra depth comes in the form of keyboards in the slapping track “Always,” chunky beat on “I Know,” soft tribal drums on “New York” and a lonely trumpet on “White Apple.” Also, Nebeker’s tendency to undersell himself at vocals is reconciled with periodic demonstrative choruses and lulling harmonies.

Oftentimes, “We Are the Tide” is simply moving.