Georgeson has wisely steered clear of the current folk fascination with psychedelia and roots, both of which are the province of other more distinct artists. Instead he chooses to explore a unique take on folk balladry, which could be explained away as AM standards filtered through a folk sensibility without any of the tiresome irony one might expect (see Rufus Wainwright). Although Georgeson is a touring guitarist for Devendra Banhart, his voice is the featured instrument on Find Shelter, while his guitar is relegated to true accompaniment duty. There isn’t much featured instrumentation or extended guitar play to any of the songs, but there is a pleasant orchestral vibe, which proves Georgeson’s mettle as an arranger and composer.
The echo-chamber-y production and orchestral backing lends the vocals a haunting, old-school crooner flavor. And Georgeson seems to have an affinity for the analog sound that provides so many old records with the elusive warmth that digital recording techniques can’t quite capture. This warmth gives the recording a timeless feel. “Build and Work” is a prime example track where all of these elements come together nicely. Hand claps and myriad weird percussive instruments accompany Georgeson’s claim that: ”Wasting time’s a good time/When it makes you forget the times/that remind you that you have/Oh such precious little time”. I couldn’t agree more.
Many of the songs themselves are lamentations of over-development and progress for the sake of progress, almost betraying a conservative wish to a return to simpler times. The title track bemoans a physical and psychological isolationism perpetrated by this advancement. Georgeson is not suggesting a call to action, so much as explaining the way he, as an artist, sees things. With a touch of regretful melancholy he mourns not just for those things that have come to pass, but also the things that seem to pass us by, such as stopping to admire the world for all its inherent, unmolested beauty. An all too timely statement, considering the nationwide debate over ecological and environmental conservationism and the damage human nature’s bizarre obsession with exploitation and “progress” has brought to nature (human or otherwise) itself.
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