Water & Bodies - Water & Bodies EP

Genre alternative Publisher Rain City Records External Links

It takes some serious guts to cut a live album.

Not many bands have the courage to throw away the technology of modern recording studios, but Water & Bodies is dripping with natural talent and is not afraid to bare it all and flaunt it.

The Portland-based group spent months relentlessly recording song after song, straight through, until they produced just the right take for each of the album’s six tracks.

Without auto tuning, drum replacements, or overdubs, the sound may not be as polished, but what it lacks in fine tuning it makes up for in raw emotion. Though the purely organic taste is intentional, it is not overwhelming. The tracks still play very smoothly without compromising the spontaneity and energy of a live recording.

The clear and melodic voice of Christopher Ruff carries over echoing guitars and hypnotic drums with passion and poise. The majority of the album is down tempo, with the exception of “Celebration Song” and “Free World”. “Free World,” hands down, is the best song of the bunch, with wailing vocals and driving rhythm. “Naked in the Rain” and “Written and Read” are two of the more soul-bearing tracks, reflected in the haunting lyrics and resonating melodies.

Though this is the first album from Water & Bodies, the band’s chemistry and synchronization feels years old...probably because it is. Christopher Ruff, Aaron Tollefson, Kelsey Kuther, and Beau Kuther made up four of the five band members of Kaddisfly, a Portland-based alternative rock band which dates back to the mid 1990s. Kaddisfly split as recently as last winter, and Water & Bodies was born shortly thereafter with a brand new sound.

Listening to Water & Bodies is like listening to a much edgier version of Death Cab for Cutie, and a more vocally pleasing version of Lovedrug. With all the maturity of seasoned veterans, and the rejuvenated energy of stepping in a new direction, this band is one to keep an eye on.