Albums to watch

The Carpenter

The Avett Brothers

The Carpenter

The North Carolina folk-rock quartet led by brothers Seth and Scott moving in a soft rock direction aided by producer Rick Rubin on their 7th album

ADM rating[?]

6.6

Label
Universal
UK Release date
11/09/2012
US Release date
11/09/2012
  1. 8.3 |   A.V. Club

    On The Carpenter, their second Rick Rubin-produced album, the brothers have dropped some of the folksy optimism and are drawn to darker themes
    Read Review

  2. 8.0 |   Paste Magazine

    Provides a return to rudimentary Avett songwriting, in that the most striking moments on the record are born from playful banjo-guitar banter and confessions revealed in 4/4 time
    Read Review

  3. 8.0 |   Q

    Harmony-drenched folk-rockers. Print edition only

  4. 8.0 |   musicOMH

    While the album does weigh heavily on its dark themes - possibly too much so at times - The Avett Brothers have never sounded better than they do on The Carpenter
    Read Review

  5. 8.0 |   Independent on Sunday

    As great as any record produced by Rick Rubin is going to sound, only the serious songs work here
    Read Review

  6. 8.0 |   BBC

    Full of vulnerability and understated melancholia, the band cleverly creates an illusion of simplicity that highlights the yearning lead vocals and powerful harmonies of Seth and Scott Avett
    Read Review

  7. 7.0 |   PopMatters

    They’re at a point where they know exactly what they want to do but haven’t run out of songwriting inspiration
    Read Review

  8. 7.0 |   All Music

    A relatively simple, country-folk record, albeit one with a college degree, and when it connects it hits that sweet spot between joy and despair that has served as the target for many a dusty brimmed singer/songwriter over the years
    Read Review

  9. 7.0 |   Rolling Stone

    Does an even better job balancing their roots charm and pop ambition
    Read Review

  10. 6.5 |   Pitchfork

    Rubin may be a wizard in the studio, but his involvement has fostered a truly remarkable level of bloat in this once bare-boned, focused band
    Read Review

  11. 6.0 |   Consequence Of Sound

    A record that becomes more relatable with age and, most frighteningly, loss
    Read Review

  12. 6.0 |   Mojo

    There are several bands jostling to be heard, and the result is a trifle confusing. Print edition only

  13. 6.0 |   NME

    The Avetts are clearly happiest when they’re miserable. Which is fine, if you’re in that kind of mood
    Read Review

  14. 5.0 |   The Digital Fix

    A peaceful and pleasant collection of tunes
    Read Review

  15. 5.0 |   Uncut

    Bubbling, upbeat melodies and minor-key laments dipped in undemanding melancholy. Print edition only

  16. 4.0 |   The Independent

    Shameless Mumfordry with few redeeming characteristics
    Read Review


blog comments powered by Disqus

Watch it

Roll over video for more options

Hear it

Preview & download it

The Avett Brothers: The Carpenter

  • Download full album for just £7.99
  • 1. The Once And Future Carpenter £0.99
  • 2. Live And Die £0.99
  • 3. Winter In My Heart £0.99
  • 4. Pretty Girl From Michigan £0.99
  • 5. I Never Knew You £0.99
  • 6. February Seven £0.99
  • 7. Through My Prayers £0.99
  • 8. Down With The Shine £0.99
  • 9. A Fathers First Spring £0.99
  • 10. Geraldine £0.99
  • 11. Paul Newman Vs. The Demons £0.99
  • 12. Life £0.99
  • Service provided by 7Digital

Latest Reviews

More reviews