(This is the first post (of many! I hope) from Cause A Scene’s newest contributor, Molly Williams. Molly relocated from Ohio to Nashville last year and writes for the aptly-named blog, ohio to nashville, which I have personally discovered great new music and fascinating blogs on. There is a 110% chance she is a better writer than me, and I’m glad to have her on the Cause A Scene team. Welcome, Molly!)
Big things are happening for a new folk trio out of Denver that released their first demos back in 2009 after coming together in light of a difficult loss. If you’ve heard of them there’s a good chance you’ve lost track of the number of times you’ve listened to their songs, and if you haven’t, get ready. The Lumineers are catching attention – recently playing and wowing crowds at SXSW, showing up in Paste Magazine and The New York Times, and releasing their first official video for their addictive “Ho Hey.”
Their self-titled album, released on April 3, will have you hooked from the first listen. The trio’s infectious sound has a rustic charm reminiscent of The Avett Brothers, The Head and the Heart, and even some early Whiskeytown. It’s hard to deny the hand clapping, foot stomping, and chorus shouting that can be heard in many of the tracks. The “heart-on-the-sleeve” stories woven by Wesley Shultz’s lyrics blend naturally with Neyla Pekarek’s cello and Jeremiah Fraites’ percussion on songs like “Submarines”.
Ballads like “Slow It Down” perfectly balance out the solid collection of chorus-focused songs and feature Shultz’s raw, stripped-down vocals and brilliant songwriting. Every track will keep you hooked and leave you wanting more.
The Lumineers have accomplished something rare in their debut album – a sound comparable to what you would expect only from a live performance. Tracks like “Stubborn Love” and “Flowers in Your Hair” will have you searching for the trio’s next live performance in your town. If you’re in Nashville, don’t miss The Lumineers at The Basement on Friday, April 27.
So whether it’s for the hundredth time since last week’s release or for the very first time, go listen to the album, available on iTunes. It’s sure to be one of this year’s top Americana and folk rock debuts and the first of many for this group.
