Wyman’s Words: The Avett Brothers “Arrive” In New England

Since the debut of I&L&Y material, the band has incorporated additional instrumentation to complete the sound. Piano and drums found their way into a number of songs, with the brothers rotating over the extra parts, but more recently with a dedicated drummer where needed. In shows over the past year, I longed for a return to those rotating roots as it seemingly limited the drum sound. But, last night I found the drums to be a great addition with new arrangements and a more natural feel. Highlighted by Go To Sleep, a delicate song with moments of pure power, the drum line provided a base that naturally complemented the feel. While they can’t be considered improvisational or jam, there were certainly moments of those elements when the band naturally transitioned from Sleep into the “wild west” emotion of I Killed Sally’s Lover.

But the band’s greatest strength continues to be in their roots with banjo, guitar and bass, fueled by a simple stage mounted kick drum and hi-hat. Coupled with vocal arrangements that always seem fresh with new takes on meter and harmony that keeps even old songs feeling new and fresh.

The group may have found stardom in the previous 18 months, but after last night’s high energy and well executed show, The Avett Brothers seem ready for the next chapter in their development and careers without losing that feeling they had when I first saw them in a sparsly attended club setting.

The Avett Brothers perform tonight at the Champlain Valley Expo in Essex Juntion, VT and at Mountain Jam in Hunter, NY tomorrow.