Band to Watch: The Lumineers

An artificial layer continues to spread through the musical landscape that encompasses my listening experience.  The rise of the low budget DIY approach in the independent music scene has paved acres of innovation, while embracing alternate forms of musical communication. The number of musicians that use drum machines and synthesizers to substitute band members mounts. As the electronic influence rises and machines slowly chip away at the human element of music, it grows more difficult to dig up a project that roots itself deep in the dirt of traditional Americana sound.  While I appreciate the new direction of independent music, I find myself trying to break the earth for its missing authenticity. Luckily for me, I have cracked my shovel on a dependable band whose roots are deep in the stratum sound.

The Lumineers hail from Denver, CO and have shown that they treat tradition with a specific respect. Their songs ring with an authentic emotion that sends chills down my neck with each play. This band embraces the feeling of vulnerability as their songs are stripped to let the voice of Wesley Shultz shine through their surface. A sense of honesty lures me in, as it feel like I am being let in on a secret with each line.  Track, “Ho Hey” highlights their return to the rustic while promoting the rich vocals of Shultz.  This song resonates because it perfectly pairs sound with lyrics. Shultz pleads, “I belong with you, you belong with me, my sweetheart,” displaying his confident honesty.  This track hangs on an acoustic guitar, tambourine, and back up vocals.  While stripped and simple, Shultz’s powerful vocals create a mountain of sound. After each listen of “Ho Hey” I reflect on not only the elevation of this song, but also the future of The Lumineers.

The Lumineers will release their first full length LP on April 3.  If you like what you have heard and need to continue your Lumineers fix make sure to check out their Daytrotter session.

Live in Indianapolis:

When: Friday – May 25, 2012

Where: Radio Radio

Tickets: $10-12 via MOKB Presents (On sale beginning March 30th)

Connect with The Lumineers via Facebook | Twitter

Written by Brett McGrath