Avett Brothers hit high notes with albums

When a band has the ability to innovate themselves away from the norm of the music industry, their music takes precedence over all the other bands. When a band is able to stick with their innovative attitudes, their albums have the rawness that most artists are unable to do.

                The musical group The Avett Brothers has made a name for themselves in the blues-folk area. The Concord, N.C., based band has gained recognition in the music industry for staying pure with their sound.

                The band consists of Scott (vocals, piano, acoustic guitar, banjo and harmonica) and Seth (vocals, piano, acoustic guitar and drum kit) Avett, Bob Crawford (vocals, upright bass and trumpet) and Joe Kwon (cello). The band formed in 2000.

                With their latest album I and Love and You the band received help from producer Rick Rubin. Rubin is widely known for his work with many rock bands, including Linkin Park, Rage Against the Machine and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. He's known for his way of stripping down songs, which includes limited back up for vocals and sound.

                I and Love and You was the major label debut album. It garnered a hit and produced their 17 track live concert album, Live Vol. 3. I and Love and You peaked at number 16 on the Billboard top 200 charts. It was the number one folk album in the country at the time.

                The band’s fifth studio album, Emotionalism was released in 2007. It debuted at number one on the Billboard Top Heat Seekers Albums chart. Later on, it entered the Billboard top 200 charts at number 134.

                I and Love and You was truly a gem among other albums last year. The lyrics to the songs seem like the most poetic verses to ever be read. The song "Kick Drum Heart," is upbeat and brings a lot of drum beats to the eardrum, while the song "January Wedding," is more soulful and heartfelt. The whole album conveys the feeling of love, loneliness and yearning for something more.

                The band has been self promoting themselves for years, their five studio albums, four EP’s and three live albums. They also toured to promote each album; most of the shows occurred in North Carolina

                The Avett Brothers performed at the Bonnaroo Music festival in June 2010. The harmonies on each of their albums are perfect, and they each blend smoothly in with the sound waves escaping through the headphones. With their indie rock and folk sound, they border the line of sounding like a Mountain Man version of the Beatles.

                Their love laced lyrics also help with the comparison. Fans who appreciate bluegrass, folk rock or country will greatly enjoy the sounds of the Avett Brothers.