The Lumineers - The Next Step For Americana
By: James Hagin
Riding on the end of storm of album releases beginning last fall the Lumineers self-titled debut hit the ground running. The progressive folk rock band had already sparked an interest with the previously released music video for their number one hit “Ho Hey”, shot in the very same abandoned hospital as the ever popular Saw films. This left people intrigued and wanting more. And they delivered, not only with an absolutely stunning record, but with a summer tour that kept fans cheering and critics raving. Playing across the nation it was clear to see these guys were instant crowd pleasers.
The band, Wesley Schultz on acoustic guitar and lead vocals, Jeremiah Fraites on mandolin, vocals, and drums, and Neyla Pekarek on cello, mandolin, piano, and vocals, began in 2005 in Ramsey New Jersey with just the two guys Fraites and Keith. They met Pekarek on Craig’s list upon moving to Denver.
The rough bluesy voice of Jeff Buckly seems to be echoing ever so slightly through the mic as Schultz finishes his notes in the songs “Charlie boy” and “stubborn love”. Pekarek ‘s soft harmonies ring in your ear as she strums or bows along. Fraites with his foot on the kick drum, and his hands on the mandolin is equally resonant throughout the album. Listening to the lyrics you hear tales being spun, of running away from home, of past lovers and of the whole broke and starving artist experience. The whole sound is positively Dylanesque. Each song is more prominent than the last its not easy to pick a favorite for the album.
Their live performances are also something to be praised. The energy they can convey with just the swing of a guitar or the stomp of a foot is worthy of applause. It becomes more evident that they are channeling Dylan when they play their fast minor key cover of “subterranean homesick blues”. Its covers like this and “I ain’t nobody’s problem” by their friend Sawmill Joe that truly make a concert.
With a stream of dates lined up for the next few months in the US, Ireland, and the UK (most sold out already) the band is quite busy. We can only guess what is in store after coming such a long way, with so much more planed ahead. The album is available on just about every format aside from 8track, including digitally on i-tunes, Amazon, or on your favorite torrent site.
The band, Wesley Schultz on acoustic guitar and lead vocals, Jeremiah Fraites on mandolin, vocals, and drums, and Neyla Pekarek on cello, mandolin, piano, and vocals, began in 2005 in Ramsey New Jersey with just the two guys Fraites and Keith. They met Pekarek on Craig’s list upon moving to Denver.
The rough bluesy voice of Jeff Buckly seems to be echoing ever so slightly through the mic as Schultz finishes his notes in the songs “Charlie boy” and “stubborn love”. Pekarek ‘s soft harmonies ring in your ear as she strums or bows along. Fraites with his foot on the kick drum, and his hands on the mandolin is equally resonant throughout the album. Listening to the lyrics you hear tales being spun, of running away from home, of past lovers and of the whole broke and starving artist experience. The whole sound is positively Dylanesque. Each song is more prominent than the last its not easy to pick a favorite for the album.
Their live performances are also something to be praised. The energy they can convey with just the swing of a guitar or the stomp of a foot is worthy of applause. It becomes more evident that they are channeling Dylan when they play their fast minor key cover of “subterranean homesick blues”. Its covers like this and “I ain’t nobody’s problem” by their friend Sawmill Joe that truly make a concert.
With a stream of dates lined up for the next few months in the US, Ireland, and the UK (most sold out already) the band is quite busy. We can only guess what is in store after coming such a long way, with so much more planed ahead. The album is available on just about every format aside from 8track, including digitally on i-tunes, Amazon, or on your favorite torrent site.
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