AMG Review of Near and Far, Vol. 1

David Serra
All Music Guide

The Rutabega/Owen Split EP: Near and Far, Vol. 1 is a sweet indie affair throughout, with emo leanings. Rutabega kick off the first half with delicate, acoustic arrangements and an eerie production, much like Iron & Wine or the low-key elements of Built to Spill. With a track like "Fluorescent Funeral," Rutabega set up song structures that fall back on each other in a circle, but do not become boring due to the pop twinklings that release the repetition. The Owen section of the EP continues with sensitive acoustic strumming. These dramatic songs about relationships are very emotional and sweet -- the type of tracks that could make indie girls swoon over this darling. The pedal steel work on "Poor Souls" adds an emotional depth that would not be there with guitar alone. "May First Brings Lots of Laughs" brings waves of melancholy in its delivery and instrumentation, adding an open-ended finish to this short, decent EP.