Static Flowers (2012)

The biggest departure from their previous works was the band’s use of seasoned sessions players to give the album a distinct tone that is instantly palatable among the first listen. Musicians who lent a helping hand on Static Flowers include Tim Marks (studio bassist for Taylor Swift), Jimmy Johnson (studio bassist for Roy Orbison, The Rolling Stones, Aretha Franklin), Jimmy Clark (multi-instrumentalist of Loretta Lynn) and Tom Coyne (lead mastering engineer for Adele’s 21 and Beyoncé’s I Am…Sasha Fierce). As if working with such musical legends wasn’t enough, Jimmy Johnson pulled them aside and said, “Look, it is not going to be easy for you guys – I will be the first to tell you that. But please stick with it, you have what it takes to make it to the top. Your skills and your songwriting are strong, so fight hard and get it heard.”

The Bergamot’s emphasis on observation is echoed throughout Static Flowers. The songs on the album range from the funky pop tune “Shake Ur Brotha”, which ties socially-aware lyrics with an upbeat, danceable rhythm, to the raw, fleet-fingered acoustic track “In Between”, which combines point blank lyrics, with a single acoustic guitar and two voices. The Bergamot also have a knack for bringing a realization of popular culture to their songwriting with a song like “Amy”. Written in A minor as a tribute to late jazz-pop singer Amy Winehouse, Hoff reflects on the songwriting experience, “The song touches on what it is like to be losing someone to an addiction and how sad it can be. This is a song about the person sitting on the other side of the table.”

1. Linen (4:13) 2. Its Gunna Be Me (3:45) 3. Smoke & Fire (4:45) 4. Candy Wrappers (4:29)
5. The Southern Line (2:29) 6. Amy (3:47) 7. Wishing Well (2:50) 8. Shake Ur Brotha (2:19)
9. Grace (3:43) 10. Home (3:42) 11. Broken Hearted (3:55) 12. In Between (2:51)
13. A Love Like You (2:59)

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The Bergamot | Static Flowers

www.theaquarian.com/2012/09/17/the-bergamot-static-flowers/

“Linen” is a soft rock jam with a bit of country. The two switch on and off with lead vocalist position throughout the album, but you’d never realize it. They both seem to have such an incredible vocal presence, whether they be showcased or behind the lead. That’s what makes “Linen,” “Smoke & Fire,” “Wishing Well” and “Broken Hearted” such diverse tracks. With the start of each song, you never label one person as being the leader. They are true partners in this musical affair.

By Sara Fazio | The Aquarian