Hey all,

I was writing an article for my school newspaper about the Everybodyfields when I remembered I wrote one last semester for the Avetts. I thought people here might be interested in reading it. It's short, but that's all I can do for a music review in a college paper.

"Once in a great while I will be introduced to a band and be so blown away by them that I absolutely cannot stop listening to them. One such band is Concord, North Carolina's The Avett Brothers. The Avett Brothers cannot be confined to any certain genre and proud of the fact. Often labeled with names such as, "grungegrass," and ,"post-civil war modern rock," the band tries their best to distance themselves from any genre listing to keep their music as free as possible. While many of their songs fall into a bluegrass/alt folk sound, the band remains ever so varied. The traditional set up includes Seth Avett playing acoustic guitar and stomping away at a pair of hi hat cymbals, Scott Avett hammering the banjo and pounding a kick drum, Bob Crawford on the upright bass and as of the last couple years, cellist Joe Kwon, with all members contributing to the singing. However, it is not unusual to see members switching instruments on stage, trading guitars for full drum sets, banjos for electric guitars, upright basses for electric as well as plenty of time spent at a piano.

Formed in 2000 by just the two brothers, the Avetts have been turning heads since day one, gaining a cult following. With over ten releases under their belts, including two live albums, five studio albums and three EP's, the band has finally been getting some much deserved mainstream attention after their 2007 release, Emotionalism. For their upcoming summer release, I and Love and You, the band has been picked up by American Records, with their new album produced by the legendary Rick Rubin. They are also opening up on a few dates of the Dave Matthews Band spring tour despite the differences in sound. Some fans fear that their best kept secret will lose their rough-around-the-edges, almost punk rock appeal. However, if the band's lyrics are any indication, the song Salvation Song should show that there is nothing to worry about. "And they may pay us off in fame, but that is not why we came. And if it compromises truth then we will go."

While their albums are special all their own, live performances are where the Avetts truly shine. I have personally never seen a band show as much pure passion, energy and emotion in a single set than this one; their live performances are a spectacle. They take the stage in an unassuming manner, normally dressed in three-piece suits, approaching the stage with traditional bluegrass instruments in hand, but once the music starts, the Avetts become anything but traditional. You will also see guitars and banjos flying to and from the stage as strings are broken mid-song and instruments must be switched to keep the show going. It may sound a little chaotic, and to tell the truth, it is; however it truly adds to the intensity of the performance. There is a very real, very deep bond between the audience and the band and it is something that is not experienced by most acts. The Avetts are going back on the road starting in April and will be touring for a long time, eventually in support of their August release; I know I already have my tickets. If you think you will not like the band because there is a banjo or because they play what may widely be considered folk music, just give them a chance. The Avetts bring a unique brand of passion to their sound that transcends the music itself; what they leave you with is a feeling you are not likely to get anywhere else."

Not much, but I like spreading the word any way I can!