Two Cow Garage - Speaking in Cursive

Artist: Two Cow Garage

Album: Speaking in Cursive

Label: Suburban Home

When Two Cow Garage sings "Now I'm 25 years old, no money, no plan, no street of gold;  It was arrogant to think from the start, that we were the only back yard Dylan with a folk singer's heart; And now that the romance is dead, I've still got these songs playing in my head,"on the track  "Folksinger's Heart," it becomes abundantly clear that upon entering their forth studio album the band has accepted their lack of popularity despite their passion and sincerity as song writers.  Thankfully, such a realization hasn't soured the band.  In fact, based on Speaking in Cursive, this reality has freed them to create the songs they love without fear of the critics - since critics never seem to notice them anyway.  

Two Cow Garage follow the oft-neglected "cow-punk" brand of alternative rock.  Not quite straight up country, and far from simple street punk, the genre combines a western twang with a punk soul for some of the most refreshing tunes in recent memory.  Like genre leaders Lucero, Two Cow Garage boasts raspy, whiskey soaked vocals, and simple country inspired guitaring.  Unlike the band's previous releases, Speaking in Cursive boasts a "bigger" feel because more tracks than ever use Two Cow Garage's full musical arsenal.  While many band reaching out for a fuller sound often radically alter their sound, Two Cow Garage confidently incorporate new sounds to their formula.  Most notably, grand country style piano solos and backdrops can be heard throughout the album.

Lyrically, the band has always brought a sophisticated and self aware approach to songwriting.  I won't delve too deep into lyrical analysis, but songs like "Playground Princess" find unique ways to approach tales of personal development with powerful and insightful one liners, like "but in the end punk rock just left me empty and alone," and "Jesus is just another word for nothing left to lose.'"  Many songs edge close to feeling depressing, but thanks to an upbeat musical framework most tracks have a elements of optimism.  

Speaking in Cursive's bigger feel makes the album a perfect place for newcomers to jump in.  Meanwhile, established fans will find a few new tricks amidst the same great content they've come to expect.  Here's to hoping that Speaking in Cursive gets these "backyard Dylans" a little more recognition.