In the era of over-orchestration, and labels in general, overuse is a bit of an understatement. The use of orchestration in music is a crime these days, allowing modern rock bands to “class” up a crapified song. In terms of that music you generally hear on soundtrack scores, artists and bands have had to go back to the drawing board and begin to use these sounds in more meaningful and responsible ways. Pioneers of the new orchestration – Sufjan Stevens, Andrew Bird, Bowerbirds – have put forth a standard that now welcomes Heyward Howkins to the mix. Complete with a set of rich tenor vocals, and a low-tone guitar sound, Howkins puts forth an LP of finely arranged and crafted songs that create the years most underrated album.

Heyward Howkins first started making waves in a band called The Trouble with Sweeney. The group put out three EPs and two LPs before disbanding in 2004, but not before garnering attention from publications like Rolling Stone. Howkins went on to do other projects, but with his first solo release, Howkins seeks to set himself apart from the majority of the singer/songwriter genre. This genre  has become plagued with posers, those that don’t belong, like Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day (sorry bud, but you don’t really fit into the genre.) and Benjamin Burnley of Breaking Benjamin (you wish.).

Enlisted for this album was producer/arranger/multi-instrumentalist Chet Delcampo, who’s arranging abilities no doubt aided what could have been a disaster. Instead, Delcampo flushes out beautiful arrangement that isn’t overbearing to the senses, and aids the albums themes of nature, earthiness, family, and time.

The track, “Spanish Moss” is blatantly, a tribute track to some of Howkins’ family members; family that has aided in his identity. The track creates a wonderful vocal visual, coupled with wonderfully arranged strings, a simple guitar melody, and a series of memories that could reminisce over lemonade on a front porch. The track, “Plume and Orange” is a wonderful tale of two bowerbirds caught within an apocalypse. Even during this tragic event, these two birds have time to argue. The title track, “Hale & Hearty” displays the albums themes thoroughly; it’s connection with time is very present, and it’s outsider view is tragic, but hopeful.

Heyward Howkins’ strength comes in evocative lyrics that create a stunning visual in your natural surroundings. In his unique way, these songs are an appreciation of melody in its simplest and most natural form. These songs are nature and time, the way we view them as simple and essential to life as music is itself. With a combination of Bon Iver, Nick Drake, and M. Ward, Heyward Howkins is worthy of the cannon that those artists have created, and of the singer/songwriter genre that time is attempting to redeem.

Album Rating: Stream It or Digitally Download It (Legally of Course)

Listening Co-efficient: Active Listen

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