After their debut album, Barton Hollow, the Civil Wars have released another record with beautifully sung stories and their characteristic southern, country-folk. On their second full length album, titled The Civil Wars, this singer-songwriter duo of Joy Williams and John Paul White have a darker sound, with the tone set by "The One That Got Away". I noticed a completely different undertone on this album and I wasn't sure why until I started reading more about what The Civil Wars have been up to lately. Much to my dismay (and I'm sure everyone else's, including Williams' and White's, to a certain degree), they've had some problems and might be on a hiatus as a band. Based on the interviews I've seen with Williams and what I know about their music so far, I think it's fair to say that this album is a reflection of their turmoil as a duo, perhaps elaborated into stories, but with elements of truth, nonetheless. And that's what makes this album captivating, yet hard to listen to. The cover image of black smoke on a white sky, full of intricate swirls and curved lines, evokes that same feelings of unease. Yet the clarity of the image creates introspectiveness amongst the turmoil. Just like the cover image suggests, there is some serious fire beneath the magic of The Civil Wars. As a duo, they're living out their name. "I wanna leave you, I wanna lose us, I wanna give up, but I won't". That's some intense stuff. And these are the lyrics that we are familiar with because of their clarity of writing from Barton Hollow, but given the context within which the album is being released, these lines of poetry grab your attention and leave you anticipating what's going to be said next. To me, the album is lacking the same start-to-finish momentum that was found on Barton Hollow, but then again, I should stop comparing. This is a unique album, created in a unique place, from unique emotional situations. And I think what needs to be applauded is the commitment, bravery, determination, and honesty that it would have taken Williams and White to complete this album through whatever their own struggles have been, personally and as a duo. After all, their music has always been deeply emotional, in every regard. With that expression will come turmoil, and as Williams says, it will be possible to mend some of their issues, "if they both choose to do that". I love the sound of The Civil Wars. Their music is distinct and authentic. Their talents are complimentary, and their writing is able to transport you into twelve different stories in a single record. This album is another example of how special they are, and whatever they choose for their musical future, I wish them all the best as they muddle through what must be a challenging situation. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-j86tzxi8s&w=420&h=315]