Norfolk and Western consists of multiple band members including couple Adam Selzer (band founder, guitar, lead vocals) and Rachel Blumberg (drums, keyboards, backing vocals). Other band members include:
Dave Depper - Bass, Vocals, Piano
Tony Moreno - Guitar, Banjo, Accordion, Oddities, Sound Collage, Film
Amanda Lawrence - Viola, Glockenspiel
Cory Gray - Trumpet, Piano, Wurlitzer
Peter Broderick - Violin, Banjo, Accordion, Musical Saw, Mandolin, Lap Steel, Guitar
Dusk in Cold Parlours truly delivers with Selzer's Nick Drake-esque vocals and the band's brilliant instruments. Beautifully strummed banjos make songs like "Oslo" and "A Marriage Proposal" soar with Selzer and Blumberg's delicate vocals. With the occasional eruption of guitars and drums, N&W juggles depressing tracks with up-beat tracks like "The Tired Words" perfectly. Folk music laced with creaky old instruments and atmospheric sound collages is the epitome of their sound. Blumberg, the former drummer of the well-known Decemberists is responsible for the beautiful album cover art on Dusk.
This album is incredibly warm and emotional at the same time. It's definitely an album worth multiple listens and as it captures you in its beautifully constructed instrumentals and jaunting lyrics, it never lets go.
Norfolk and Western didn't just write and record this album, they poured their hearts into each and every track. Each song played with pure beauty and elegance, carefully and delicately sung by Selzer, and the backing vocals of his girlfriend Rachel Blumberg. Blumberg's voice is almost that of an instrument, reaching rhythms without struggle and hitting every note on cue. Selzer's lyrics are that of love and spirituality, pouring his soul into each and every word. Although the album runs roughly 39 minutes long, it is one worthy of a listen.
Dusk is the fourth album from the Oregon-based group and they've recently released their latest album this year. Be on the lookout for N&W to explode in the Indie/Folk world soon.
