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The venerable veterans have released 11 albums, a mixture of live and studio releases over
the past 15 years, and
their most recent offering, YMSB EP'13, was put out on October 8. The gritty
ditty is a
four-track disc, produced
by the band, with each song written and sung by a different member. As with previous
records, the album was
distributed by Frog Pad records, an independent record label run by the band and one can
continue to download live
shows from the group's website.
Not surprising for a band that garnered their reputation and popularity due to relentless
determination, the band still
maintains an absolutely rigorous touring schedule. They have announced a tour to commence
in early 2014, with the
first seventeen shows to take place without Austin, who has decided to spend the time at
home
with his family and
new daughter, “Nothing in this world is bigger in life than family…and in this case,
not even the music I love so
dearly.” The band will persevere but the loss of Austin will no doubt be a void for the
legions of fans engrossed in
his every facial tick. I once wrote here that Austin looked like David Naughton from
American Werewolf In London
and changes his countenance in such intense manner it was as if he was turning into a
werewolf. Well, upon further
examination, Austin is so mesmerizing and intensely focused it's as if he invited us to
the cabin in the Evil Dead and
he is simply the first one to be demonizing before our very eyes.
Fans of the Grateful Dead are "Deadheads," Lady Gaga has "Monsters" and YMSB possesses a
die-hard loyal following
labeled with the moniker "KINFOLK." Kinfolk are defined as, "A group of people united by
collective passion, sharing
in a journey YONDER." If one can't catch the band as they zigzag across the country on an
annual mission to share a
stellar musical experience, one should specifically look for them at the two festivals
they are involved with: Arkansas'
Yonder Mountain's Harvest Festival and String Summit in Oregon.
When I asked Austin if there was a certain point where he knew he made it, he immediately
retorted with sincerity, "I
think if I ever say I made it, I better breath my last breathe. If you get content, you
die, due to apathy and no growth. I never high five myself that I made it.” Well, we all
know that they've made it and we
are better for it. If they
continue the same level of effort and integrity, the sky is the limit.
Set List:
Set I: OTR>Polly Put the Kettle On>OTR, At the End of the Day, Spanish Harlem,
Fingerprint, My Gal, Katy
Daly, Country Boy R&R, In the Seam, Dawn’s> What the Night Brings //
Set II: Looking Back Over the Shoulder, Raleigh and Spencer, Lonesome Letter, Maid
O The Canyon, Just
the Same, Finally Saw the Light>Dear Prudence, Part 1> Althea>Pass This Way>Little
Rabbit>Casualty //
Encore: 2 Hits
JamBase | Country Boy Rock N Roll
Go See Live Music!
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