The photogenic sister act of Rebecca and Megan Lowell started their musical career when they were aged 5 and 6 respectively. In their early teens they performed with big sister Jessica as The Lowell Sisters and even made it to the dizzy heights of the Grande Ole Opry.
Now, having come of age, they have assembled a group of Knoxville-based musicians, Daniel Kimbbro (bass), Chad Melton (drums) and Mike Seal (electric guitar), and named the band after their great-great-grandfather.
This album is the second of a four mini-album sequence named after the seasons ('Spring' was released in July 2010).
Rebecca plays mandolin, guitar and ukulele while Megan plays dobro and lapsteel guitar. These instruments are more often associated with bluegrass but Larkin Poe's easy listening style has more in common with bland commercial pop than traditional country music.
Their sweet harmonies and blemish-free arrangements are full of a light cheeriness that reflects an unflinching faith in the goodness of god and a determination to always keep on the sunny side.
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Wrestling A Stranger, for example, contains a number of biblical references, but this walk through the valley of death might just as well be a pleasant stroll in the park. Similarly, the grim reaper has a walk on part in Praying For The Bell but seems a strangely benign presence.
Their chirpy philosophy is epitomised by self explanatory Principle Of Silver Lining, one of three live songs added to the six studio recordings.
The other live tracks are both covers - an incongruously breezy take on In My Time Of Dying which strips the traditional gospel song of any darkness and an unforgivably sappy makeover of Massive Attack's Teardrop.
In short, their songs are well crafted, expertly played and instantly forgettable.
Larkin Poe's website
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