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It’s funny to think that Sub Pop has evolved from a 90s grunge institution into the logical home of Vetiver. Once upon a time, the Seattle label was bolstering bands with long hair and flannel; suddenly, they’re all about bearded dudes with acoustic guitars (still rocking the plaid though). With a sound lodged in 60s/70s country, folk and psych, recent signees Vetiver snugly fit the roster, situating themselves among Grand Archives, Fleet Foxes and Iron & Wine. Tight Knit falls in line with their three previous albums, where simple melodies rule and warm tones blanket every song. The band’s ability to induce a state of calmness in their listeners remains remarkable. Even on “Sister,” a prime example of Vetiver’s sharpened hook writing, Andy Cabic’s vocals are serene and controlled despite the showtune drum bounce at the forefront. Although throughout the album, variation in tone, tempo and vocal registry is slight — the album’s only flaw, really — its subdued, balmy nature wins out. Soulful but breezy, relaxed but expressive, they sound like Band of Horses on vacation. Chalk another one up for Sub Pop.
