Won me overReviewed by IRate, 2008-07-12
3 1/2
At first, the disc may sound like many other bands dealing or only
dabbling with these so-called slowcore elements, without much
distinction guiding the mid-tempo start. By the end of the album
however, the band's control over sparse beauty becomes obvious.
Haunting & DreamlikeReviewed by Lee Armstrong, 2003-10-02
"Levitate" is my first release by Idaho. It's a somber but delightful mix of haunting melodies and dreamlike churning of electric guitar. The opener "Wondering the Fields" has a full band sound with Jeff Martin's wonderfully off-center vocals expressing sadness and yearning, "There's a lot to staying sane." "20 Years" churns with more slowcore dexterity, bringing to mind Red House Painters. "On the Shore" has Jeff's vocals sounding hollow like an electrified Nick Drake. "Casa Mia" is a sad beautiful piano piece, "Bougainvillea weeping over places we've lived." Jeff Martin's Idaho has wispy melodies that float by on the breeziest of clouds. It's a very enjoyable ride.
Moved me.Reviewed by Anonymous, 2003-01-09
I had heard 'To be the one' from hearts of palm on internet radio a bunch and I loved it. When I heard "crossing the fields" for the first time -- I was dumbfounded by its simple beauty and its poignant, emotionally catastrophic impact.
Idaho's Best Effort To DateReviewed by gillettecourt, 2002-11-30
This is easily the most cohesive package of songs Idaho/Jeff Martin
has ever offered its/his listeners. The CD plays as one experience.
To skip through the tracks would eliminate much of what this music
is about. The title "Levitate" is perfect. Jeff Martin's BEAUTIFUL
piano work, reminiscent of Brian Eno/Harold Budd collaborations,
lifts you up into another world, full of endless beauty, yearning,
passion, and sadness.
The first couple of tracks are your classic Idaho songs, at a bit
of a faster tempo. From here on out, Martin whisks you away to a
string of wispy piano ballads and instruments. Piano ballads are
what he does best. Don't get me wrong, though. His four-string,
slack-key guitar work is second-to-none, but when he sits down at
the piano, he just tears your heart out.
Like normal, Martin plays every instrument himself, except drums on
about half the tracks. The guest drummer here is a talented Idaho
fan who sent Martin a demo tape of his playing. His steady,
shuffling brush work is used to great effect. Basically, "Levitate"
is what sadcore is all about. If you're already a fan of Idaho,
don't hesitate to buy this. And if you're a fan of Mark Eitzel and
the American Music Club, Mark Kozelek and the Red House Painters,
or Low, this is definitely for you, too. This if painfully
beautiful music.
MesmerizingReviewed by Christopher Murphy, 2002-06-01
I can't stop listening to this CD. This is their best album yet. The lyrics are simple and the mood is somber. The piano work is beautiful. Idaho is not an easy grouip to listen, they demand your attention and tax your emotions. This is quite simply a beautiful album, intense and melodic, deep and rewarding for those you dare to spend the time to listen. If only more people did.
