PHOTO: CAMERON SMITH | The Anatomy Of Frank are an astonishing breath of fresh air within today’s global folk and indie scene. Described as “art-folk,” the band are so dedicated to their craft that they plan to record an album on every continent. With their debut album North America in stores, the band now share the second chapter of their conquest, South America.
South America was recorded with Stephen Cope in a private farmhouse in the Ecuadorian mountains in 5 short weeks as the band tackled anxieties and loss head on. With a drip-feed of family and friends providing a source of inspiration during the recording sessions, the trio would take trips to the Amazon or spend time in the mountains to rejuvenate their spirit.
The album begins with “Ecuador (A New Year),” an eerie whistle into an acoustic intro that, when listening in headphones, captivates and instantly evolves into a cinematic soundtrack. As the album kicks into “The Girl From Ipanema,” the magnificent songwriting and storytelling of vocalist Kyle Woolard charms, hypnotises, and grasps you emotively.
Lead single “La Llorona,”which premiered here in July, enters in the same fashion, pulling at every bit of emotion while delicately cascading into a beautifully composed chorus. “South America” engages the listener with its emotional rollercoaster, and tracks “How Do We Lose It” and “Patagonia” incorporate call and response between thoughtful vocals and guitar patterns. The dreamy soundscapes of “The Landing of the Plus Ultra Flying Boat” and “Holy Mountain” float with ease into one another, an impeccable balance of beauty and tragedy.
As the album reaches its climactic ending, the delightful ‘To Keep Our Hands From Shaking’ elevates with an effervescent and almost fairytale-like feel. “The Sunken Coast” has an epic edge to it—after its banjo intro, the song bursts into a full band, harmony-filled pop masterpiece. “Andes” and “Viteri” conclude the album, dropping some of Kyle’s most outstanding work in my opinion—and The Anatomy Of Frank’s best work to date.
