This clever EP entitled Drink Tea is certainly as fluid and relaxing as a good spot of tea, and just like a good cup, it isn’t too sweet. This is to say it’s not over packed with whiney emotion and tireless lyrical drivel. In fact, let’s begin with the lyrical/vocal content.
Vocalist and songwriter Robbie Pieschke is just about as ambient as one could possibly strive to be behind the microphone. Soft and soothing like something you might purchase at Bath & Bodyworks. So the vocals are certainly adequate, but it was the lyrical content to this project I was quite impressed with. Although this album didn’t come with a lyric booklet, these lyrics are so easy to follow. My first thought was; this guy must certainly have an awesome faith in himself, his music, and more (This would be confirmed later upon finding and interview online with Robbie Pieschke). www.vimeo.com/2080114
I cannot convey how instrumentally complete this project is. The addition of the cello in several songs just really takes the sound from full to rich. If my research is correct, members of Empire! Empire! (I Was a Lonely Estate) contribute drums and guitar in this project as well. Very cool to know… as Empire! Empire! is a Diatribe favorite. So this project just hemorrhages indie-rock perfection at this point, but what about the name?
After doing some research I found that the name is derived from The Bible in the book of John, Chapter 15. “You are the vine I am the branches.” Robbie goes on to say in this video interview that he doesn’t want this to be a “legalist/crappy” Christian band. I can really respect this notion. It seems as though a lot of God fearing musicians aren’t give the benefit of the doubt these days. I’m glad these guys could find a flavorful balance in song writing while not compromise their beliefs. For fans of acoustic music in general! Can’t wait for the LP!
