Tweet

Album Details

• Artist: Bitter, Bitter Weeks
• Album: Peace Is Burning Like A River
• Label: Transit of Venu
• Year of Release: 2007
• ME Rating:
• Reviewed by: mschmitt on 2007-06-29

Should indie country be a sub-category under the broader heading of Country, or of Indie? Vexing thought, and it’s music like that of Bitter, Bitter Weeks that could cause endless argument on the topic. Indie country probably serves as a mutual link between to the two groups of music, but don’t let that stop your late-night, half-dazed arguments! Pop Peace Is Burning Like A River – Bitter, Bitter Weeks’ third studio album – into your music playing device and ponder. Are the bittersweet (yet considerably happier) tunes of Brian McTear indie with twangy country guitars along for the ride, or country melodies with a lo-fi light cast upon them? In either case, the Philadelphia group led by the singer/songwriter McTear is running strong in Peace Is Burning Like A River. Tracks like “Terrified” and “Writing Letters” capture the essence of McTear’s songwriting skill, while brighter songs like “Once And For All” show a bit of growth on the part of the usually melancholy artist. “Lion Has His Pride” answers our burning question over what country music may sound like in space, while “Lo-Res” achieves a bastard-child-of-Mountain-Goats-and-Rocky-Votolato status. Bitter, Bitter Weeks is an interesting listen, especially for those un-aquatinted with their brilliantly humble backwater instrumentals. The organs, acoustic guitars, and other instruments on Peace Is Burning Like A River are superb, emotional, and expansive. That could be said about the entire effort though. Notch this as a victory for Bitter, Bitter Weeks. They ride the line perfectly between lo-fi indie pop and down-to-earth country, a move sure to spark some debate over what category they rightfully belong in.

User Reviews and Comments

Log In or Register to Rate Albums