Donovan Quinn & The 13th Month - S/T

Donovan Quinn & The 13th Month
S/T
(09.2008, Soft Abuse)
Verdict = An unassuming gem

Donovan Quinn, one half of The Skygreen Leopards, has spent a long time with bandmate Glenn Donaldson developing a sound that feels perfectly underdeveloped. So, it is no surprise that Quinn’s solo outing (with 'The 13th Month') finds him conjuring the same loose feel. Everything is headed by Mr. Quinn himself, but, as the title suggests, he’s got some friends in tow. Marketing material seemed fairly eager to announce contributing hands Karl Bauer (Axolotl *!*) and Jason Quever (Papercuts), however, all of the musical traits that make these two musicians unique are nowhere to be found on the record. This isn’t really a detractor, but I couldn’t help salivating at the idea of some Axolotl noise entering into the mix. In reality, Quinn’s backing band could be just about anyone with a general instrumental knowledge and slow reaction time to rhythm. Quinn’s Dylan-esque voice floats through the record in sepia tones amidst the shifty Americana tinged folk. If these descriptors tend to feel like they could just as easily describe The Skygreen Leopards, you’re not far off – Donovan Quinn & The 13th Month is pretty much a version of Disciples of California with a little bit more twang. As such, the album is a sure fire grower that burns like a late night fire, crackling a popping with a comforting, homey warmth. It’s a beautiful collection of bitter sweet songs and a surefire companion with which to brave anything.

-Mr. Thistle

Donovan Quinn & The 13th Month - "Holy Agent"