Rating:
Genre:
Rock
Release Date: 08/05/2008
With
Levon Helm climbing onboard for two songs,
My Fair, My Dark serves as reminder of
Ida's folksy, country-leaning tendencies. The seven-song EP isn't
all twang, of course;
"Don't Wreck It," "Still Life," and the title track stick to the hushed, intimate sounds that earned the band its sadcore tag. But
My Fair, My Dark sounds best during the remaining numbers, which feature close harmonies and competent fretwork on an array of mandolins, acoustic guitars, and ukuleles. Perhaps the most notable track is
"All the Pain," an old-timey
Dolly Parton cover that allows
Elizabeth Mitchell to sing her rustic heart out. Elsewhere, the group covers
John Martyn's
"Road to Ruin" and
Annie Brigg's
"The Time Has Come," the latter track featuring gorgeous coed vocals and
Daniel Littleton's fingerpicked guitar.
Ida's two original songs can't hold a candle to such covers, but that's far from disconcerting, given the quality of the band's own compositions on
Lovers Prayers (which was recorded at the same time as this effort) and the exemplary musicianship displayed throughout.
~Andrew Leahey, All Music Guide
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