Recorded in Oregon in 2011, this slice of Americana pie has just arrived on the shores of Australia courtesy of Laughing Outlaw Records.
Stylistically this music, which is stamped with the sounds of sunshine-pop thanks to producers Chris Stamey and Mitch Easter, is something that is drifting in the ether frequently these days.
This West Coast-California sound of the late 60s and 70s seems to be the flavour of very many bands these days and The Parson Redheads are fluent in this organic style of music.
“Hold On” and “Unemotional”, two songs from within these grooves, recall production values of bands like Dawes and, at times, the extraordinary Jonathan Wilson.
The music is driven by the pedal steel, the acoustic guitars and the sincere harmonies from the entire band.
Evan Way, chief songwriter, has a way with a phrase and the beachy pop sound at times illustrates why this band could record a cover on the next Byrd’s tribute record.
Burn some incense and settle back with the lengthy “Time Is Running Out” and you will get the gist and hopefully the joy of these songs.
The last six songs on this release are a bonus from the band as they come from an EP Murmurations that show a progression in The Parson Redheads as a unit.
Songwriting and group singing prevail in these recent recordings and “Jenny” and “Hold On” provide more of this Laurel Canyon sound.
Yearling is a youthful and joyful collection of songs and you will find the selections go down as smooth as honey.
