Three Rivers
Self-Released, 2022
8/10
Yosh and Yimmy each sing, play guitar and banjo, and together with plenty of help on hand they flesh out a very unique take on Americana that welcomes strings, looping and atypical percussion to these 12 well thought out songs.
“Early Sun” starts the listen with warm guitar and some sci-fi like effects that helps create a very distinct version of cautious Americana, and “Breathe Again” follows with timeless folk ideas entering the banjo friendly and percussively spirited album highlight.
Closer to the middle, “Without A Barrier” welcomes Melodie Chase’s sophisticated cello into the intimate delivery, while “I Can’t Help Myself” showcases Mason Shirley’s gorgeous pedal steel amid the poetic storytelling and stirring musicianship that builds into an emotive display.
Further yet, “McKinley Farm” offers an upbeat and playful roots rocker that flirts with bluegrass nods, and “Ghosts In The Darkness” exits in piano balladry, where Emily Nelson’s sublime cello complements the eloquent singing.
An extremely great first album, Yosh & Yimmy know their way around a tune you won’t soon forget, and contributions from Kris Redus (drums), Andrew Reyes (piano), Owen Stroud (organ) and Ty Dietz (harmonica) only add that much more appeal to the rich layers, vocal harmonies and very literate wordplay.
Travels well with: Peter Donovan- This Better Be Good; Wes Collins- Jabberwockies