It shall be released

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

By Aaron Davis

Jackson Hole, Wyo.-A band name like The New Familiars suggests paralleling a tradition laced with something contemporary, a non-pretentious angle on progressing music.

This Charlotte-based folk-rock quartet splices acoustic and electric strings with a solid drum and bass rhythm section that never seems over-the-top. There are no crazy effects, no odd time changes, just crafty songwriting and a groove reminiscent of Austin’s Band of Heathens.

Immediately recognizable to my ears, the Western North Carolina twang comes through loud and clear when discussing life on the road with drummer Daniel Flynn. He joined the band nearly three years ago and speaks of the taxing lifestyle of paying dues in an independent music world.

“It’s not as glamorous as it’s made out to be, but it’s like a good drug and you want more of it,” Flynn said of all the little things that sum up life in an unsigned touring band. “Honestly, a lot of it sucks. Then, we get on stage, and the two hours of playing makes everything worth it.”

The New Familiars have certainly paid some dues. The duo of Justin Daniel (vocals, resonator guitar) and Justin Fedor (vocals, guitar, mandolin, banjo) stirred a buzz in the local Charlotte scene before shuffling through a few different band members. The band has released two EPs—The Black Rose and The Storm—as well as a vinyl single, “Mills River/My Girl,” and is currently touring in support of a 30-minute live album recorded on August 1, 2009 at The Neighborhood Theatre in Charlotte.

The band’s forthcoming studio release, Between The Moon & The Morning Light, which has spent some time on the backburner, exemplifies a neighborly influence of The Avett Brothers more than Appalachian roots, as The Familiar’s bio suggests. A trolling banjo over edgy bottleneck riffs, anthemic choruses, and a less-is-more approach leans more towards melody than ripping solos. As for making it available to consumers, great care is being taken.

“From the time we started recording the album, some band members changed, so it has taken a while to get the sound we were going for,” Flynn said. “It’s ready to be released, but we have new management that we’re really excited about, so we are shopping it around [to indie labels].”

Though this will be the band’s first full-length studio album with the current band members, it has done well for itself by keeping a steady tour pace. After spending quality time in the Rockies, the Midwest, and Texas, it will perform on World Café Live as well as three days at the high profile Bristol Rhythm and Roots Festival. Be there for the band’s first Wyoming show. JHW

What’s Good Here? Productions presents The New Familiars, 10 p.m., Wednesday at Town Square Tavern. $5.

Courtesy photo
The New Familiars

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It shall be released | Planet JH News Article: Music Box

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