Album Debut: "Rogue Band of Youth" by Rogue Band of Youth

Rogue Band of Youth will celebrate the release of
their self-titled full length at Nightlight in Chapel Hill
on Saturday, Mar. 29

Sometimes it's best to revel in simplicity. The contemporary music scene has become affixed on jamming as much detail into one track as possible, whether that be with densely packed electronic experimentations or massive orchestrations. But every now and then it's nice to be able to tune out and drop in to some stripped down music, to return to the roots and immerse yourself in music that's focused on a powerful core. Rogue Band of Youth seem to have found that sweet spot, sure you'll find a few well placed string sections that flesh out these excellent folk rock tracks, but their self-titled debut is mostly filled with straightforward tunes that flesh out rich narratives and vivid images.

This focused trio of Carrboro based musicians have been writing songs together since 2012, but even the impressive work on their previous EPs can't compare to the deft songwriting on display on Rogue Band of Youth. Tracks are contextualized with subtle field recordings that give an air of a warm southern days, tight harmonies give way to powerful melodies that soar atop a bed of delicate acoustic instrumentation. The album starts out with "Fair Shake," driven by a briskly fingerpicked acoustic guitar that slowly unfurls with a rolling vocal melody that gradually rises to a serendipitous three-part harmony seeping with emotion.

The interplay between James Patrick, Chloe Gude, and Jack Hartley's vocals is enough alone to make this self-titled debut worth a listen, but once you dig deeper into these songs you begin to clutch onto their ethos. Harmonicas are used as vibrant textures, pizzicato strings provide bouncing rhythms and lilting vocal arrangements make for dynamic tracks despite their stripped back set-ups. Rogue Band of Youth prove that you don't need 10-piece string sections or cutting edge technology to create a captivating album, what you need is a story to tell, a song to sing and a soapbox to shout from. Through their meaningful storytelling and catchy choruses, Rogue Band of Youth have crafted an immensely enjoyable album that sets the band up for a promising future with limitless possibilities. Rogue Band of Youth will be officially released on Saturday, March 29 at Nightlight in Chapel Hill alongside label mate Jphono1, Hospital Smokers and an acoustic set from T0W3RS. Check below for a full stream of the album along with their additional tour dates:

Rogue Band of Youth Tour Dates
Mar.
27 - The Mothlight in Asheville, NC
28 - Billy's Barn in Salem, VA
29 - Nightlight in Chapel Hill, NC

Apr.
3 - The Caledonia Lounge in Athens, GA
4 - WPBR Radio-room in Greenville, SC
5 - Doodad Farm in Greensboro, NC

May
2 - Slim's in Raleigh, NC

Virgins Family Band debut "Honeylion" on The Bottom String w/ a new Bottom String Session

Honeylion by Virgins Family Band was released on
February 8, 2013.  The band will be celebrating
their album release on February 22 at Local 506
with Baobab.

Virgins Family Band are one of the most surprising acts to come from the Triangle in recent memory.  As I was scouring the web for local shows I found the Baobab double album release show with Virgins Family Band and knew that I'd be in for a treat.  However, when I first listened to Honeylion there was a visceral reaction that I wasn't expecting.  Their sweet harmonies and unpredictable melodies make each listen through an experience in which you can peel back new layers and find new moments in this music to connect with.  Ranging from frenetic soul to jazzy indie rock, Virgins Family Band have a sound unlike any other band in the state.  It's one of those bands where you can genuinely start to realize the depth of the Carolina talent pool, because seemingly from out of nowhere I've grown incredibly attached to this band.

Honeylion is as strong a statement that any band can wish to make with a debut, they've crafted a sound that's entirely unique and filled with melodic masterpieces.  Tracks like the album's opener, "Moon Breath" display the dynamic breadth displayed within this 8-track album.  Powerful rhythms drive these tunes, and they're capable of changing direction on a dime and delivering a brand new addictive melody that's filled with adventurous originality.  The best part about Honeylion though is that it always leaves you guessing, Virgins Family Band combine elements from jazz and pop music in a way that creates an inviting yet still complex soundscape that's filled with gorgeous musical moments that create for an invigorating listening experience.  The entire album is packed with fantastic musical endeavors, from the croons of "Eyes Like Troubled Dreams" to the shiver-inducing shouts that close the album in "Lily Molusco", Virgins Family Band display a mastery of dynamics and pacing.

Honeylion feels like a truly cohesive piece of work, it's difficult to not listen to this all the way through as each track beckons the listener to continue on.  The flow of Honeylion is as smooth as the title implies, this release is filled with seamless transitions and brilliant resolve.  Honeylion soundtracks my winter days and will soon do the same for my spring, mostly because it's a ubiquitous piece of music that truly feels timeless.  Honeylion has given Virgins Family Band my complete attention.  They're one of the most talented acts I've seen from North Carolina in years and I take great pride in being able to debut their first full-length.  Check out the Bottom String Session I filmed with the band below and purchase their album Honeylion on Bandcamp: