The Avett Brothers are back with "The Carpenter" after a 3-year hiatus. (via Wikimedia)

Following a year of heartache and struggle, The Avett Brothers hit the nail on the head with their new album. As one of the first successful, modern bands to infuse country and rock, the Avett Brothers returned to write "The Carpenter" with raw emotion. 

This past year, bass player Bob Crawford’s two year old daughter, Hallie, was diagnosed with a brain tumor. While she went through chemotherapy in Tennessee, Crawford had to commute back and forth to record the album. However, they overcame adversity and finished the record.

For their seventh album, the Avett Brothers had high standards to uphold after gaining popularity with 2009’s "I and Love and You." Whereas most people would agree that similar bands sound very repetitive after listening to only a few songs, the Avett Brothers managed to compose an album with distinguishable ballads.

"The Carpenter" begins with what will soon be a quintessential Avett Brothers song, “The Once and Future Carpenter.” The theme of the album could be seen as the struggle between life, death, and everything in between—the lyrics, “If I live the life I'm given, I won't be scared to die,” could not be more fitting.

Seth Avett had recently been quoted as saying that he hoped this album was “louder” than their previous ones. Leaving the banjo behind for a few songs, “Girl from Michigan,” “Geraldine,” and “Paul Newman vs. The Demons”are all upbeat jams that narrate the quirky side of love, while getting stuck in your head for the rest of the day.

Besides, what could be more true about the lyrics: “It's me this time and I'm trading fun for right, will I regret the notion later?”

“Winter in My Heart,” although an early fan favorite, is a sorrowful song encompassing the lack of love that one can have. Similar melodramatic ballads include “I Never Knew You Love” and “Live and Die.” Vocally, the songs are flawless, fusing folk and rock.

Showing their maturity, the Avett Brothers have rather serious songs as well. “Down With the Shine” expresses the necessity in learning from one’s mistakes.  

Similarly, “February Seven” is inspirational of sorts because it talks about beginning this unforeseen journey of independence after having your heart broken. “A Father’s First Spring” speaks of a father’s undying love for his child, another echo of Crawford’s heartbreak and Avett’s new addition of his baby daughter.

A personal favorite includes “Through My Prayers.” The song is about loosing a loved one and it’s very emotional, especially given what Hallie is battling: “My dream of all dreams and my hope of all hopes/Is only to tell you and make sure you know/ How much I love you and how much I always did.” If that doesn’t break your heart, nothing will. 

"The Carpenter" fittingly ends with the song “Life.” Reminiscing upon the ups and downs of life, the band reminds their fans to “Let go of it, love comes from it/We’re not of this world for long.”

This is the perfect ending to album because it summarizes all that the band went through the past year and it is a beneficial message to send to their fans-- there is only one shot at life, and it’s up to us to make the most of every moment.

After the surprise 2009 hit of "I and Love and You," The Avett Brothers would have never imagined being where they are today—landing television gigs and worldwide shows, as well as the production talents of the legendary Rick Rubin.  

It’s easy to see how fans aren’t the only ones believing that these boys have potential unmatched by few.

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