The Third Gleam

Released in August 2020, The Third Gleam is the third installment in a series of acoustic-focused EPs that began in 2006. Arriving in the midst of the global pandemic, the record serves as a stark departure from the maximalist, Rick Rubin-produced 'Closer Than Together.' It features only Seth and Scott Avett alongside long-time bassist Bob Crawford, completely eschewing drums and electric instrumentation. This return to their roots was widely praised by critics, including AllMusic, who noted the album's return to the 'unadorned intimacy' that first defined the band. The lyrical themes are notably heavier and more existential than previous 'Gleam' entries, touching on social injustice, mortality, and domestic regret. It stands as a pivotal moment in their catalog, proving that their core appeal remains their songwriting and harmonic chemistry rather than their crossover pop-folk appeal.