Empty Bottle Presents: Vetiver

Miles Raymer, Chicago Reader

Critic’s Choice - "Sometimes the company you keep can give the wrong impression. Devendra Banhart and Joanna Newsom’s presence on the first VETIVER album in 2004 didn’t hurt its sound or profile one bit, but it created an association between the band and a couple of F-words that’s only half accurate. There’s nothing too freaky about bandleader Andy Cabic and his perpetually reconfiguring combo, though they’ve got the folky part down. The way Cabic’s sweet croon floats his bucolic melodies—which carry affectionate echoes of the Lovin’ Spoonful and George Harrison—over Otto Hauser’s understated drumming on Vetiver’s latest record, Tight Knit (Sub Pop), is classic folk rock. The album came out back in February, but it’s got the optimistic, feel-good vibe of the first spring weekend when you can head outside without an umbrella or a sweater"