From the disarmingly elegant waltz of opener “Washing” to the vibrating hum found at the conclusion of “The Hunter & The Hunted”, it quickly becomes evident that Live Old, Die Young, Cowboy Indian Bear’s second full-length album, is another diverse collection of haunting pop and rock music from Lawrence, Kansas’ favorite sons (and daughter). It was impeccably crafted with the assistance of producer/engineer Joshua Browning in between tours that took the band throughout the Midwest, East Coast and U.S. South. No doubt the joys and adversities of that period all find their way onto LO,DY in multiple ways.
If their debut album Each Other All The Time was about constructing a framework, the laying of a foundation, their
latest effort is about the subtleties and embellishments that turn a house into a home. The collective memories and individual hardships of the quartet are spread throughout LO,DY like family portraits on a mantle. While all the pictures may be beautifully rendered and cleanly framed at first glance, a deeper look suggests something a little more difficult to work around. But life is not as linear as it is often idealized. Once again those challenges, both musically and narratively, are being put forth in Cowboy Indian Bear’s work. LO,DY, however, is a testament to bonding, growth and family ties. If you look a bit closer the results are likely better – a lot better – than the last time you paid a visit. Maybe stay a while this time.”
