Real Estate frees those parcels of letters past, left in a prison of twine for year after year after dusty year. The handwritten time-capsules inhale upon release, finally able to relax their crinkled strain. With Real Estate’s languid melodies, recollections of summer pines, Easter dresses, and freckled smiles breathe again, only this time in the world of thought.
Acoustic guitar prances in “Green River,” the letter written straightaway from summer camp addressed to a blonde-haired love. A faint guitar sways in distorted arcs, the evaporating images of summer spent. Though the handwriting is sung casually, a stirring tambourine hints at the nervous thought that she may have already forgotten him.
“Beach Comber” reads as a soft breakup, an expected goodbye well thought-out on a mother’s stationary. Bittersweet yet with a sense of reassurance, a guitar line repeats apologies for the inevitable. A faded cursive, the vocals wish unselfish hopes for their futures. Jaunty drums are the relief in finally moving on.
To Whom It May Concern: see Real Estate perform at Harper’s Ferry, Friday, July 23rd.