Raleigh: The House on Seedling Lane

The walls of The House on Seedling Lane reverberate to a heady mix of melodious, orchestral folk-pop and waltzing, carnivalesque whimsy. If this whets your appetite, then you are in for a very pleasant stay because the five Dallas-based multi-instrumentalists who make up Raleigh know their stuff. And their stuff is Byrds-esque lysergic folk-rock replete with melodica, xylophone and flurries of indie guitar. From the enchanting opener “Judy”, with its fluid strings and swooning harmonies to the summery symphonics of “The Ahh Song” this fine debut wears its influences proudly on paisley shirtsleeves. But what really makes this album stand out are the subtly crafted lyrics provided by co-founders Josh King and Amber Farris which paint mercilessly vivid pictures of heartache, betrayal and unrequited love that belie the flowery musical exterior of these deceptively gentle gems.