Album Review: Swept Away
A New Musical Tale from the minds of The Avett Brothers
Memories
Years ago, in the bygone days of 2011, I was asked to attend the Beale Street Music Festival in Memphis, TN, with two of my close friends at the time. I’d never attended a festival in my life, let alone known what to expect when going, but it was one of those weekends that will forever remain a core memory. I rocked out with all the other CAKE fans as we screamed, “Sheep go to heaven, goats go to hell!”, I was there when Mumford & Sons announced a second album (that would inevitably not match the chaotic obsession everyone had for the first), and it was there, in the muggy evening glow of the Mississippi River, that I saw The Avett Brothers live and in person for the first time.
I’ve never considered myself a religious man by any means, but when I express to you, readers, that I was erevocabaly changed by the magic and majesty of that performance that evening…suffice to say I became a fan. Since then, I have seen the North Carolinian band a number of times as they’ve traveled through Arkansas, continuing to gain a fondness for their heartfelt music and their ability to change style and tone, all while remaining the same men I’d come to admire.
Fast forward to the last two years, I’m sitting around The Studio Theatre, prior to rehearsal starting (somewhere between Rock of Ages and Legally Blonde), and I come across an article discussing how a new musical, from the music and minds of The Avett Brothers, would be opening soon. Now, imagine my surprise!
Cut to now, the album has been fully released and the run of the show has (unfortunately) ended, but I can’t stop listening to the soundtrack. Even though I’ve known these songs, even though I’ve played them time and again, within the context of this marvelous, magnificent show, they have been given a new life.
Swept Away is the story of a crew of sailors embarking on a whaling expedition, braving the long days with hard work and strong whiskey. Tragically, their ship capsizes and the crew is forced to look within themselves to help each other survive. The original cast for the show included stars like John Gallagher, Jr., Stark Sands, Adrian Blake Enscoe and Wayne Duvall. As quoted by Entertainment Weekly, “It’s riveting! One of the most captivating tales on Broadway in just 90 nail-biting minutes.”
Oh, what I would have given to see the show myself…
But as I’ve been listening to the album over and over again, I wanted to share some of my thoughts on it as a whole, with a few select numbers I’m particularly fond of, and put them into the void that is your inbox.
The Album
Mystifying. Magical. Filled with malice and madness and more than I can contain within these words. What were once songs filled with such raw emotion that they drew the first live tears at a concert from me have now become stories of sailors filled with the hope of a life worth fighting for, even when the entire world says you’re not worth spit anymore.
The musical arrangements on this cast album are nothing short of breathtaking. The Avett Brothers’ signature blend of folk, rock, and bluegrass is present. Still, it's elevated to a theatrical level, with lush orchestrations and powerful vocal harmonies that bring the harrowing tale of Swept Away to vivid life. Each song feels meticulously crafted to serve the narrative, building tension, expressing raw emotion, and moving the story forward with an undeniable momentum.
The vocal performances from the cast are truly outstanding. John Gallagher, Jr. brings a gritty authenticity to his role, his voice conveying both the weariness and the resilience of a man pushed to his limits. Stark Sands delivers a nuanced performance, his vocals soaring with hope and then cracking with despair as the story unfolds. Adrian Blake Enscoe and Wayne Duvall also contribute immensely, their voices weaving in and out of the arrangements, adding layers of depth and pathos. There’s a rawness to the singing, a palpable sense of desperation and brotherhood that resonates deeply.
What's particularly striking about this album is how the familiar Avett Brothers' songs, some of which I've loved for years, are transformed by the theatrical context.
"Swept Away" itself, which I’ve always adored, take on a new, poignant weight when sung by a desperate crew facing their demise. "Ain't No Man" becomes an anthem of defiance and perseverance in the face of insurmountable odds. Even songs I might have overlooked in their original forms now shine with newfound meaning, revealing layers I hadn't perceived before. The way the music builds and swells, sometimes intimate and acoustic, other times expansive and grand, perfectly mirrors the emotional arc of the story.
"Hard Worker" encapsulates the grueling reality of life at sea, the repetitive rhythm of the work intertwined with the longing for something more. It's not just a song; it's a sonic landscape that puts you right there on deck, feeling the sway of the ship and the ache in the bones. Then there's the haunting beauty of "Go To Sleep," which takes on a devastating weight within the musical's context. What might have once been a tender lullaby is now laced with the anxiety and uncertainty of survival, a desperate plea for peace in the face of chaos. And "A Gift for Melody Anne" becomes an anchor of hope and memory, a poignant reminder of what the characters are fighting to return to, a beacon in their darkest hours. The way these songs, already rich with emotion, are imbued with the specific narrative beats of Swept Away is pure genius. They are given a new, deeper resonance that only a fully realized theatrical production can provide.
This isn't just an album for fans of The Avett Brothers; it's a compelling standalone work of art that will resonate with anyone who appreciates powerful storytelling through music. It’s an emotional rollercoaster, a journey through hope, despair and the enduring human spirit. While I lament not having seen the live production, this cast album is a testament to the show's power and a truly remarkable listening experience.
I've been utterly swept away.
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