VZ Magazine

A significant number of bands that record their second studio album run into the problem of succumbing to the sophomore slump.  An album that can be defined as lacking in depth, honesty and vigor that the band’s previous album held. The sophomore slump is usually caused by lack of time spent on developing a new album or a complete change in sound or production. However, Oregon based indie folk band Blind Pilot, didn’t seem to encounter this problem whatsoever.

Blind Pilot’s follow up studio album ‘We are the Tide’ opens with ‘Half Moon’, an elated tale of adventure that leaves your ears reeling on waves of harmonious strings, and musters an upbeat chorus, with lyrics that repeat, “That wind is calling my name, I won't wait or I'll never get on" giving you the childlike sense wonder that anything is possible in this precarious world.

Keeping true to his previous album ‘3 Rounds and a Sound’, lead vocalist Israel Nebeker keeps sincerity at the forefront of his lyrics, creating songs that have the ability to make you sing out loud and tap your feet.

One track that embodies this to the fullest is ‘We are the tide.’ Words immersed in a pop fashion, but done right, with a catchy hook that let’s you sing along without feeling cheap later.

Blind Pilot’s first studio album ‘3 Rounds and a Sound,’ released in 2008 was well received, but flew quietly under the mass radio radar.

Since the release of ‘3 Rounds and a Sound’ Blind Pilot has added four new members to its crew, constructing an instrumental cast consisting of a piano, violin, pump organ, dulcimer, trumpet, harmonium, ukulele, guitar, as well as percussion, and a bass guitar.

Blind Pilot has created a rare form of music with their authentic homespun lyrics and an uncompromising idyllic sound that can be heard through out their entire album without skipping any song in between. ‘We are the tide’ is a sophomore album success, wrapped in humility and sincerity.

Blind Pilot is currently rounding out their North American tour.

November 12, Earth House, Indianapolis, IN #  TICKETS

November 13, Park West, Chicago, IL  TICKETS

November 15, Bluebird Theater, Denver, CO ~  TICKETS

November 18, El Rey Theater, Los Angeles, CA ~  TICKETS

November 19, Great American Music Hall, San Francisco, CA ~  TICKETS

November 20, Great American Music Hall, San Francisco, CA #  sold out

November 23, Crystal Ballroom, Portland, OR ~  TICKETS

December 1, The Wild Buffalo, Bellingham, WA ~  TICKETS

December 2, Neptune Theatre, Seattle, WA ~  TICKETS

December 3, Venue, Vancouver, BC ~ TICKETS