Born from familiar circumstances, the duo met while studying abroad
in Cambridge, and after some musical experimentation both returned
home to Berkeley with a distinct aspiration to perform together. After
several practices they took to the street corners of their town to
play for the locals, garnering enough attention to earn as much as
thirty dollars in an evening, which, back then, was a big pay off as
far as they were concerned. Over the next few years Keena Batti and
Molly Falck spent time defining their sound, and with the help of good
friends Devon Geyer (acting as Producer) and Burleigh Drummond, they
came into their own with a full band style replete with lush harmonies
and electrified banjo, dulcimer and mandolin. While honing their craft
they also dedicated time to the stage, performing every Thursday night
at the Old Place in Los Angeles’ Agoura Hills neighborhood, debuting
the songs they eventually wove together to create “On Returning.” The
title, which speaks to the way they began their musical relationship
upon returning home from studying abroad, also touches on the theme of
perpetually “returning” to memories, fantasies, and delusions within
relationships. An iconic 70’s-style dominates their debut, not
surprising when their influences include classic bands like Led
Zepplin and Fleetwood Mac, to even more recent styles like those of
Sufjan Stevens and Elliot Smith. One thing is certain, with a sound
that ranges from cheerily obsessive to deeply reflective and forlorn,
Steps of Doe is a band with something to say, and listeners will be
clamoring to hear it.
The opening track, “Love So Fine,” introduces the album in a subtle
way that focuses primarily on the storytelling aspect of their style.
Languid vocals coax an otherworldly feel as interlocking voices give
breath to a poetic exploration of lost love. Their harmonies waver
between the deep, bellowing rhythm, creating a sound that blooms into
something unexpected and entirely enjoyable. Their first single,
“Beneath the Shadow of the King,” received critical acclaim from the
moment it was released. With comparisons to bands like First Aid Kit,
this song has cemented their place on the landscape of Americana
music. A deeply eerie reverb sits atop their cohesive harmonies,
exploring the disillusionment that comes with idealistic relationship
expectations. It's a song so jaunty and earnest that the undercurrent
of disappointment, wrapped up in flute and melody, is hardly
recognizable. A lush, symphonic feeling comes alive on “Chasing
Ghosts,” a track that ponders the uncertainty of personal demons. This
gloomy pop song is an honest and dramatic lyrical expression with a
gothic feel enhanced by banjo and harpsichord. On “Walker,” the tone
changes when the music veers away from the 1970’s and begins to lean
towards 1960’s pop. It's a chirpier moment on an album that spends so
much of its time exploring desperation. "Walker," a track that shifts
gears into a gentle bounce, brings a balance with its bright, engaging
hopefulness. An ascending mandolin lick and two-part vocal harmony
convey a sense of optimism. A subtle bluegrass influence propels
“Bring Me Home” with a droning banjo and acoustic guitar driving the
song. ”Bring Me Home” builds to a grand finale encouraged by the big,
chewy chorus, which, atop a bumpy bass-line, allows even the most
melancholy of moments to appear upbeat. Even as the lyrics beg to
begin walking the long road home, it’s clear that Steps of Doe have
enjoyed the journey itself.
“On Returning” is a breakout album that allows Steps of Doe to present
their own gloomy, but unwaveringly catchy brand of Americana Rock.
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