I’m Alone, No You’re Not

There’s just no beating the often otherworldly purity of sibling harmonies. And that phenomenon is exemplified by the band of sisters—Allison, Meegan and Natalie Closner—in Portland’s Joseph. Through persistent touring, the trio made a quick rise to recognition for their spot-on braided vocal melodies. Their newest album, I’m Alone, No You’re Not, is a clear reflection of that relentless effort. While the overall sense of the release is more on the folky side, songs like “Blood and Tears” and “White Flag” have an undeniable pop drive. The record has producer Mike Mogis’ (Bright Eyes, M. Ward) signature sounds—distant, howling pedal steel, cavernous vocals—that give a strength and movement to the arrangements, specifically on “Whirlwind.” But the true grandeur of I’m Alone, No You’re Not comes from the pure familial heart of the music; three sisters moving together through harmonies, sometimes as interconnected cogs, and sometimes turning solo for one awe-inspiring note. After all, it’s in the blood … and tears.