Jersey Beat reviews Gordon Withers’ benefit for SPLC

Paul Silver from Jersey Beat had kind words about Gordon Withers’ “Covers For A Cause” release benefiting The Southern Poverty Law Center. This is what he said:

"Gordon Withers is the rock and roll cellist. He’s the spiritual successor to the late Tom Cora and often performs with J Robbins, Zach Barocas’ New Freedom Sound, and is part of the collective We All Inherit the Moon. He plays Post Punk, Post-Hardcore, and modern Classical styles. And he’s released solo material as well, including his well-regarded cover albums of songs by Jawbox and Jawbreaker. He’s teaming up with Sweet Cheetah Records for their “Covers for a Cause” series, and 100% of proceeds from the sale of this single will be donated to the Southern Poverty Law Center. And if that’s not enough incentive to pick this up, well, do it for the music.

"The A-side is a cover of American Football’s “Never Meant,” a classically pensive Midwest Emo song from their debut LP. In place of the lush jangly guitars, Withers’ cello is multi-tracked to weave a glorious sonic tapestry. Replacing the wistful vocals is the glorious singing of his cello. He creates a pastoral landscape that I want to get lost in.

"The B-side, “Calba’s Last,” is a cover from Ethel Meserve, an underrated emo band from the 1990's. Withers’ version of the song is suitably melancholic, but also stately and grand, giving the sense of faded glory yet also of perseverance.

"Both songs are gorgeous, and even if this wasn’t a benefit for a good cause, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it."