Vetiver - A Thing Of The Past

Vetiver’s third album finds frontman Andy Cabic diving head first into his record collection, only surfacing to produce cover versions of a dozen folk gems, bucolically encrusted in the sands of time. As a frequent associate of Devendra Banhart and Joanna Newsom, Cabic's Carolina to San Francisco career path mirrors that of Loudon Wainwright III, so it’s fitting that the most recognisable inclusion (alongside Townes Van Zandt’s Standin’) is a faithful banjo-led rendition of Wainwright’s Swimming Song. After a few spins, though, it’s the obscure tracks that stand out: namely the reverential and poignant takes on Garland Jeffreys’ heartbreaking Lon Chaney and Fairport Convention alum Iain Matthews’ Road To Ronderlin, with Cabic’s Californian sun-kissed vocals assuming centre stage wonderfully. You can debate the legitimacy of covers albums all day, but there’s no disputing the quality here - and if it turns you on to the originals, it’ll prove itself as inspirational as it is enjoyable.