Last Week’s Jams (4.17 – 4.20)

If there is one song I want you to listen to it has to be the absolute smash hit from Maine’s Big Blood; I think I’ve listened to that track 1000 times since I’ve heard it, if not more. Of course, there’s other great tunes to enjoy as well, like that pop ditty from Tough Age, or Rama Lama’s new signing, Echo Ladies. Plus, Austin held its own again with new stuff from Dress Warm and RF Shannon. And, if you’re looking for something with some legs, there’s at least a handful of tunes stretching beyond the 4 minute mark, so indulge as you must.

John Andrews & the Yawns Offer Fourth Wall

I really love that the new John Andrews & the Yawns single begs your presence; I don’t mean physically though, as that’s clear if you’re simply pressing play. You’ve got to just sit with yourself in this tune, which, admittedly, isn’t necessarily easy nowadays. When the track opens its doors and lets you in, you’re seated in a more verbal based scenario, with Andrews’ smooth voice settling you into your seats as you await the final musical climb. Just after the 4 minute mark, those without patience might just click on to the next stream in your playlist, but if you’ve got that time to be present, sit tight as you’re treated to a nice musical excursion, filled with sweeping strings and steadied pop, allowing you to finally immerse yourself into the whole experience and break through that imaginary fourth wall. If you dig, Love for the Underdog is out April 28th on Woodsist.

John Andrew and the Yawns Share Never Go Away

Outside in Austin at the moment, the weather’s just a bit cool, though the sun’s already poking its head out of the clouds, but putting that all together makes John Andrews and the Yawns new single quite fitting. There’s a cool vibe running through the vocals, both Andrews and the backing vocals; it’s like sun hitting your skin to give just the faintest warmth. Behind the vocals, there’s a nice bounce, like riding on a nice crisp breeze, moving you to tap your toes or perhaps shuffle those feet just a wee bit. You’ll be able to grab this single on the new LP, Love for the Underdog, out on April 28th via Woodsist.

John Andrews and the Yawns Share River of Doubt

I’m really enjoying the latest stuff from John Andrews & the Yawns; there’s something about his songwriting this go round that just feels so timeless and comforting, like he’s running on a relay team and he just grabbed the baton from M. Ward. It’s the sort of pop music you can share with a friend, or talk about with your grandfather over a cup of coffee…or maybe its the background to telling a great story. That seems to be the route Andrews went with the video, compiling footage of both his life on the road and his life in New Hampshire, celebrating both the contrasts and the harmony; it’s an homage to his friends, and perhaps a reminder of what a lasting impression a musical community can make. The band release Cookbook on May 14th via Woodsist.

John Andrews & the Yawns Announce Cookbook

If you’re lucky, the frost has started to peel back wherever you are, allowing little buds of green to sprout up here and there. If that’s the case, then you’re luckier there’s a new John Andrews & the Yawns album for you. Our first listen is that perfect Spring blossom feel, or maybe you prefer that early Sunday morning breakfast at your favorite spot; it’s spritely and freeing, while still maintaining this central seriousness. Textured details from piano and woodwinds thicken up the melodies in Andrews’ tune, leaving you feeling lighter, almost floating on the notes as the breeze through your speakers. The tune appears on the new album Cookbook, dropping on May 14th via Woodsist.

John Andrews & The Yawns – Bit By The Fang

john andrewsRating: ★★★½☆

You may know John Andrews from his work as a part of both Woods and Quilt, which he contributed not only his talents in recording, but also in touring with these two acts. Somehow, amongst the hectic schedule of being part of two bands, he has also found time to write and record an album of his own. Bit By The Fang is John Andrews and his imaginary backing band’s debut solo album, and it’s packed with lo-fi Americana.

John Andrews and the Yawns have a sound that is difficult to describe. At moments, the music seems to lean towards  bluesy rock, and the next you’re made to believe Bit By The Fang is a work dominated by jangly guitar. This mixing of genre, perhaps even in just one song, works well for Andrews, and you can hear this happening from the very start of the record with opener, “Don’t Spook The Horses.” Leading off with that grittily distorted cutting electric guitar, the song blazes in to your headphones and instantly hooks you. Joining that guitar is ragtime piano and Andrews’ feather-light vocals that waft and warble in to the mix. He spins a tale in those echoed vocals, a carnival-esque whirlwind of sound that serves as a wonderful introduction to his solo work.

The strongest parts of this album come like bookends at the beginning and the end. As I just discussed, the first track is a great start, and Andrews continues this strong start with “Peace of Mind,” which sways more to the blues side of sound. Its slow-moving rhythm and prominently groovy bass part serves as the core of the song, while that bouncy piano is still there to lighten the track. “Angel,” a brief little piano ditty, echoes that of early 20th century simplistic rag music, but its nevertheless an interesting tune after you’ve grown accustomed to the complex layers that Andrews has thrown your way so far.

While the middle of this album listens a little flat, the end picks back up again for the last few tracks. “Quitting The Circus” is a song that is at once eerie and rock’ and roll: the vocals seem extra twisted and somehow slightly sinister while the guitar hits hard and loud, almost drowning out the piano. Last track, “No Gun,” is a music box lullaby that has Andrews posing philosophical questions atop pensive piano, slow and easy.

Bit By The Fang is yet another solid release from Woodsist Records, and John Andrews has managed to put his name on my map as a solo artist. I’ll be looking forward to what the future holds for this talented musician, be it as part of another band or on his own.

 

More with John Andrew & the Yawns

jayI’ve written before about John Andrews & the Yawns, the newest project from John (who also works in Quilt and Woods).  I’m really drawn into this track, which might just come from the dreary weather, as I feel like there’s a definite Grateful Dead or Neil Young approach here (only one which I’m willing to admit I accept).  The band explores a modern folk twist, which you’d likely expect, but the twang and the drawl of the song really goes into hippy harmony territory.  Dammit. I like it. Don’t tell my friends! Look for Bit By the Fang via Woodsist on April 14th.

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Another John Andrews Project???

10917910_1546390345635934_9140520222875733572_oDid you like that Quilt record last year? I did. How about anything ever done by Woods? Me too. So let’s rejoice in the fact that John Andrews has opted to create another project, John Andrews & the Yawns.  Of course, the sound, as evidenced below, will have a bit of folk and Americana, but it’s good to see John step to the forefront for a change.  I’m enjoying some of the light touches of horns and strings that fill out the track. Bit By the Fang, the band’s album, will be release by the folks at Woodsist on April 14th.

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