Editor’s Choice – The Avett Brothers (Photo Credit: Crackerfarm) “It costs nothing to be honest, loyal, and true.”     This Concord, North Carolina band has changed everything I thought I knew about music. Stripped down, simple and honest, it takes you back to the very roots of melody and an emphasis on songwriting that everyone can relate too. It’s been called folk, bluegrass, and even ridiculously “grungegrass,” but one thing is clear, this is the essence of a crossover band that rises above any generic label or genre. I would call it acoustic music with folk roots and a rock n’ roll attitude, played with heartfelt punk rock abandon. The band has fans across all genres, including the metal community. Wade Nelson, bassist for thrash metal outfit Tallboy Shotgun, has the album cover for Mignonette tattooed on his calf. He first turned me on to The Avett Brothers on a group beach trip where after hearing it all night in the background it became imbedded permanently on my soul. I was caught up in the business side of the industry, and this band helped me rediscover what I truly love about music – the way it makes you feel. Since I first became hooked, I’ve watched them grow from van, to RV, to tour bus and from small intimate shows, to sold-out ballrooms in front of thousands, and so far the success hasn’t seemed to change them.     The band consists of brothers Scott and Seth Avett, Bob Crawford on stand up bass, and touring cellist Joe Quan. After releasing The Gleam II on Ramseur Records in July, they announced the inking of a deal with Columbia’s American Recordings. They were signed by Grammy award winning owner Rick Rubin (Metallica, Johnny Cash, Slayer, U2), who will be producing their major label debut. It will be interesting to see what his rock/metal background will bring to their simplistic sound.     The Avett Brothers music = Real Life…that, and a true passion for music, melody and rhythm. Full of banjo and guitar mixed with stand up bass, kick drum stomping, and even electric cello, the band isn’t afraid to experiment with their sound. Their commitment to the songs resonates through every single note. Experienced live, their show is almost ritualistic. I saw them recently at the Oregon Zoo and over 2000 people waited five hours in a rainstorm to see them play. It was a night full of laughter and memories as I danced in the pouring rain with my husband and daughter, stomping in mud puddles with pure abandon, and singing every song out loud. – RS

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Published on: 2008-10-10 (2737 reads)