After four years, folk-pop trio The Lumineers released their second album, “Cleopatra” on April 8. It consists of 11 songs full of warmth, depth and the usual intimate feel of a Lumineers tune.

The group has moved on from the lighthearted, toe-tapping sound of their debut album but still maintains a familiar charm. Songwriters Wesley Schultz (guitar, vocals) and Jeremiah Fraites (drums, piano) spent six months writing in Denver before making way to Woodstock with Neyla Pekarek (cello, backing vocals) for the recording of the album. The songwriters describe their rigorous recording sessions as a two-month mixture of recording and therapy.

“It was the most intense, densely packed experience of our lives. There is no way to sum it up. When people ask how it was, you just have to laugh and say it was great,” Jeremiah is quoted saying on the Lumineers’ website.

The group has noticeably veered away from creating radio-friendly tunes like “Ho Hey” and focused more on craftsmanship this time around. Though songs like “Ophelia” and “Cleopatra” will almost definitely make their way onto the charts, the rest of the album is more of an acquired taste. The album opens with a sanguine track called “Sleeping on the Floor,” sung from the perspective of a man urging his lover to run away with him. “If we don’t leave this town, we might never make it out. I was not born to drown, baby come on,” Schultz sings. The questions posed in the chorus are meant for his lover but leave listeners to ponder over them: “If the sun don’t shine on me today, and if the subways flood and bridges break, will you lay yourself down and dig your grave? Or will you rail against your dying day?”

Unlike the rest of the album, the next two tracks, “Ophelia” and “Cleopatra,” are foot-stomping songs that are already receiving radio play. The haunting, melodious “Ophelia” was the first track written on the album and it is said to be a vague reference to falling in love with fame. The raspiness of Shultz’s voice prevails on this track while Jeremiah’s moving piano performance brings it all together. On the other hand, “Cleopatra” is an ode to lost love, with emotional sentiment hidden by an upbeat tempo. The lyrics in this particular song paint a clear image of the type of love at hand: “And I left the footprints, the mud stained on the carpet, and it hardened like my heart did when you left town. But I must admit it, that I would marry you in an instant. Damn your wife, I’d be your mistress just to have you around.” This is a song I can’t resist because I consider Schultz’s voice and heart-wrenching lyrics to be a match made in heaven.

“Gun Song” is based on a memory Schultz has of finding a gun in a drawer after his father died. “Angela,” arguably the best song on the album, is about a girl who longs to escape from “the strangers in this town, [who] raise you up just to cut you down.” The beautifully detailed lyrics coupled with the gentle guitar-picking give this track a homey feel. Numbers like “Long Way from Home” and “Gale Song” seem to be lacking some elements that would make the songs whole. “My Eyes” is on the heavier side, flowing with evocative lyrics and a woeful melody. I’m not the biggest fan of is “Sick in the Head,” and I think it’s because it almost feels wrong hearing Schultz repeatedly curse. Finally the album comes to an end with “Patience,” a two-minute uplifting piano ballad.

Though the band has been getting some heat for this album, I can honestly say my expectations have been met. Each song stands out in its own way, whether it’s by the thoughtful lyrics, catchy tune, or hidden meaning. The Lumineers should be applauded for they have grown while managing to keep their soulful, homely nature. “This is going to sound crazy, but, if making an album is like robbing a house, the first album felt like the homeowners were taking the dog for a walk, and we only had ten minutes to get in and get out. It was manic. It was rushed. But on the second album, Jer and I felt like the owners were taking a two week vacation. We could get in there, take our time, and find exactly what we were looking for,” reads a quote from Schultz on the album-making process from the Lumineers website. The Lumineers are definitely back and shining brighter than ever.

The post The Lumineers go ‘long way from home’ with new album appeared first on The Triangle.

Photo: Shane O’Connor, The Triangle

The Philadelphia Flower Show is a must-see for all flower enthusiasts and nature lovers. The annual show is held at the Convention Center and runs from March 5-13.This is the largest garden-related event in the nation and was recently crowned “the best event in the world” by the International Festivals and Events Association. The Philly Flower Show, started by the Philadelphia Horticulture Society, dates all the way back to 1829 and has continued to blossom throughout the years. The event is composed of countless exhibits, a prodigious marketplace and most importantly, food. All proceeds benefit the PHS whose goals revolve around protecting and preserving the environment.

The show’s theme this year is “Explore America,” which celebrates the iconic national parks throughout the country such as Yosemite and Yellowstone, among others. Other historic sites are also included. The visitor begins at the “Big Timber Lodge” and is immediately welcomed by National Park Service Rangers. This lodge is described as “a modern interpretation of classic park architecture” and was greatly inspired by Native American culture. Artist Emily White provided the function with buffalo and bear sculptures while Klip Collective created a video with sounds of bison and songbirds. The visual and audio components come together to really make the guests feel as if they were in the wild. After the grand entrance, the guest then has the ability to take one of the three trails through the showroom to observe all the different exhibits. The design gallery is composed of creative, colorful windowsills and balconies with decor concepts “borrowed from historic settings.” The mini arrangements of flowers were charming and the detail of the miniature settings based on historic periods were exceptional.

Scattered throughout all the exhibits are caterers and restaurants so explorers don’t go hungry. The carefully crafted themed dining experiences begin with a trail mix bar near the entrance where visitors could make a “grub bag” until they find their way to the Smoky Mountain Cafe, The Declaration of Cheesesteaks, or the Denali Cafe. There are many more food offerings and even a “PHS Pop Up Beer Garden” that takes the explorers camping with its s’mores, brownies and music. The show’s famous “Garden Tea,” which is only offered twice a day, is the more sophisticated dining option. This menu of mini sandwiches, pastries and teas is a fan favorite — at least for those who get the chance to try it.

Some other highlights of the show include  “Find Your Park Pavilion”, Railway Garden, “Butterflies Live!” and Make & Take. “Find Your Park Pavilion” has a very cool concept of inspiring visitors to actually get outdoors. Through webcast, the guest has the chance to meet different park rangers and explore parks and gardens throughout the nation. The new Railway Garden features a display of known [miniature] American landscapes with locomotives and railcars trekking through. My personal favorite, the “Butterflies Live!” experience, allows guests to interact with real, exotic butterflies. As soon as you walk in, you’re given a cotton swab with sugar water on one end and the freedom to walk around and feed the roaming butterflies. These butterflies flutter wherever their hearts desire and although I was internally screaming the first time one decided to land on my forehead, I was striving to befriend more of them towards the end. Next is the Make & Take where the visitors can opt to create either a craft or garden. DIY experts are there to help make crafty little critters or real terrariums. Lets not forget about the marketplace made up of over 180 vendors selling every horticulture related item a person could think of.

At first, walking into the flower show was like walking into a parallel universe that consisted solely of floral and landscape designs surrounded by groups of retirees jotting down notes for their gardens. Overwhelmed and bewildered, I pulled out my map and located a Ben & Jerry’s which was just one of the several caterers for the event. Once I had ice cream in my hands my stress seemed to vanish into thin air and I was able to get an actual feel for the event. The crowd ranged from large families to pairs of 20 something year olds to groups of senior citizens. There’s something here for every age group, whether it be the different exhibits and experiences offered or the themed dining options.
The Philadelphia Flower Show is a highly enjoyable event and I would definitely recommend going before it ends. Keep in mind that it’s all for a good cause and check it out even if you aren’t a gardening aficionado.

The post Annual PHS Flower Show offers fun time for all with National Parks theme appeared first on The Triangle.