Recorded in
Tom Marshall's barn in central New Jersey,
Amfibian Tales can be used a field guide to the Jersey suburban rock scene. The highly collaborative disc includes contributions by members of RANA, F-Hole, the Saras, and
Ween. The songs, mostly co-written by
Marshall with various other members of the ensemble, feature a lush blend of acoustic guitars, tasteful keyboards, and gentle harmonies. Though the release is occasionally weighed down by too many hands,
Marshall's pocket philosophy poetry unifies the songs and their subsequent impact on the listener. ~ Jesse Jarnow