Bombadil: a biography

A Google Maps tour of the music in All That the Rain Promises

"All That the Rain Promises offers a changed Bombadil on a stage — just them, a couple of guitars and mics, a drum set and piano, and a head full of lyrics."

"it’s more than just nice to see Bombadil back together, it’s downright uplifting.

"The Durham band Bombadil is a little different."

Everything that you hoped would be present on a Bombadil album is apparent in this new release: strong emotional ballads, beautiful folk and pop melodies, and upbeat songs with deeper meanings all combine to create an album that one can become emotionally

"Longfellow also wrote, “Art is long and time is fleeting.” Sometimes artists have to resist the urge to hurry up and accomplish something. In Bombadil’s case, they have patiently produced what I predict will be an enduring achievement."

"a resplendent return to the stage"

"And rightly so: All That the Rain Promises shows a Bombadil whose talents have risen slowly and naturally, like a yeasty sourdough loaf."

Bombadil have narrowed their lyrical focus to the real and immediate—heroic cavaliers and revolutionary soldiers unceremoniously replaced by loads of laundry, loaves of bread, and letters misplaced—the results are simply fantastic.

"proves Bombadil to be a dynamic band."

...about how to live longer, about how seeking greater enjoyment isn't wrong, about how relationships go astray, about how soul mates are out there, about dancing and whooping around for no better reason than inspiration striking...

"often sounds like a college glee club covering The Village Green Preservation Society: The melodies are chipper, the hooks prominent, the performances energetic, the arrangements full to bursting with ideas."

It sounds a lot like a breakthrough and a breakaway, a mature but charged statement from a band whose ideas, enthusiasms, abilities and emotions have finally found their nexus.

"Sentimental, sandy, absurd, vulgar, narrative, shot through with smiles."

"It’s a funny thing to realize that these men are actually singing about someone having a sad birthday."

"the joys of life are tempered by the realization that there will always be unpleasant realities we can't escape."

"obtuse but melodic indie-folk-pop with a flair for the fantastic."

"a genuinely unique and enjoyable album. Expect big things from Bombadil."

" There might be better albums this year, but it's hard to imagine one that more fully communicates and embodies the richness of life.

a fantastical feel...and yet also quite cozy — down to earth, with such earnest and tender voices. But in a truly Southern way, this record is equally as dark and bitter as it is light and fun.

Just take my word that its an original sound and evokes a feeling... a feeling that makes my heart happy, like I’ve learned a few good lessons, had a laugh or two and maybe reflected on what the future has to hold for my big Bombadil soul.

"loaded with charm, playfulness and an unpredictable bent that keeps every song interesting, whatever it may be about."

"Super literate lyrics set to beautiful instrumental soundtracks"

Bombadil has created an album that defies tradition. Tarpits And Canyonlands is archaic yet undoubtedly modern. There’s an ancient sound hiding within the vocals and the make-up of each song at the most rudimentary of levels.

Bombadil has discovered the secret to carefree joy and captured it in these fleeting songs. While the rest of us cock our heads and listen for it, Bombadil smiles knowingly and patiently continues to play until the rest of us catch up and let go.

"clearly has the heart of a dozen hipster "it" bands."

"charmingly odd"

"Bombadil's stunning debut album combines a love of international folk with homegrown mountain-blues, played with a good-time rollicking feel perfect for road trips and lazy summer days."

"Bombadil make all these elements work with a fluid grace, in the process sculpting 11 pitch-perfect pop songs that sound even better as a cohesive whole."

"Through it all, they smile, sing, shout, improvise, exclaim and make one thing clear: When Bombadil is at its best, which is almost always on a stage, it can make any crowd—be it a soaked gaggle of high schoolers and parents at an outdoor music festival

"Like the Lord of the Rings character from which they stole their name, Bombadil are exuberant and entertaining, but probably a bit too nerdy to star in a movie.."

"Euphorie et exubérance y prennent la forme de sing-along frénétiques et de ruptures de rythme efficaces, le tout sur fond de grand maëlstrom instrumental absolument jouissif."

"Maður sér fyrir sér einhverja náttúruþursa með mandólín og tambúrínur en eins og sjá má á myndinni eru þær býsna mannlegir og fínir í tauinu."