PRESS
Devendra Banhart, Vetiver, Joanna Newsom
Washington City Paper | by David Dunlap Jr.
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Two years ago, Devendra Banhart was a vagabond minstrel who couldn't get arrested for vagrancy. Since then, the bopping elf has become the New Weird America poster boy, enjoying the celebrity acceleration of a former reality-show contestant. In fact, he has become such a critical darling that he now has enough credibility to share with his friends: We've had CocoRosie (one of whom was rumored to be amorously linked with DB), and Entrance (tourmates), and now we are presented with the latest Frienda Devendra, Vetiver. Banhart is a member of Vetiver, but the group is primarily a vehicle for Andy Cabic's considerable songwriting skills. In addition to Banhart's involvement (guitar and backup vocals), there are contributions from Mazzy Star's Hope Sandoval and her frequent collaborator, My Bloody Valentine's Colm O'Ciosoig. Though there are more celebrity appearances on this self-titled disc than courtside at a Lakers game, it's still Cabic's show.