Celilo – Bending Mirrors

contributor: Hoyt Emerson – March 15, 2009

I am still working out what I believe is Portland’s motives behind it’s Americana bands. Many times I feel like most of them come off as contrived side projects to this city’s already established “experimental” artists. These bands realizing that during national turmoil we always flock to songwriting as our placebo. All of them clamouring to go get their Woody Guthrie fix and show that they can write songs that America needs. I usually call bullshit in these instances and, I won’t lie, I had this frame of mind when Celilo’s Bending Mirrors came in the mail.

I was emailed by Sloan Martin, the primary songwriter for this psych americana outfit. I went to their myspace to get my initial perception of what they did. I still to this day think that Myspace does not put people into the listening state of mind. As such it was hard for me to really listen to the songs they had available. In fact, I decided to ignore the site all together until I was able to have a real perspective. So when the hard copy of their album came in the mail I was eager to cynically approach this band’s release.

The record opens up with Easter Lily, a song that immediately articulates the bands self proclaimed “Psych Americana” label. With an almost Dark Side of The Moon chord progression it was easy to tell that this would be no Gram Parsons rip off album. Intricate structure and very clean production allowed this song to immediately engage me and make me eager for more. Wy-Am followed and if you read the Q & A I did with Sloan Martin then you’ll have an understanding of where the title comes from. This song showcases what really encompasses this album. Strong songwriting and soft, articulate melodies with storyline lyrics. After hearing it becomes more clear of why this band is probably feeling excited about this release. It really sets itself apart from other records I’ve heard in this vain out of Portland.

Now as far as comparisons go I think there are some obvious and not so obvious. My initial response was to Sloan’s voice, which has a very Ryan Adams gruff and beauty. I appreciate the songwriting over Adam’s though as I prefer an eclectic record that I feel is genuine. I think Celilo achieve this with songs like “Donut Queen”, a very Ryan Adamesque melody and inflection but with so much more substance. “Pink Sofa” soars with Pedal Steel, and “Siren’s of Metropolis” has a Walkmen feel. There is a lot going on in these songs and Celilo really does make it feel coherent. Not easy given the intricate nature of the songwriting including the poylrhythmic album closer “Pliestocene”. A 7/4 time piece pushed along with big drums, modulated guitars, spacey pedal steel and Martin’s strong melody choice.

As the record slowly faded out of it’s last number a sense of relief came over me. Relief that the record had gone the way it did. It shines with amazing production and musicianship along with strong songwriting that transcends trends. It was refreshing to enjoy this record as much as I have. I’m glad to see bands like this making records like this in this town. Because this is a record we need. A classic feel that reminds us that in time of need, we just want to be held and sung to sleep.