Daniel Allen (vocals, acoustic guitar), Richard Forehand (guitars, pedal steel), Beau Cooper (keyboards), Paul Bruens (bass) and Bryan Harris (drums) who make up The Vegabonds are essentially a Southern rock band with a touch of country who release their latest album `Young & Unafraid` this month which has stories of heartbreak and redemption as the band reflects on the highs and lows of their youth and the past decade on the road.
The album opens with `Where Do You Have To Be Tomorrow` which is delightfully expansive with a shimmering guitar riff and vocals full of nostalgia. Keyboardist Beau Cooper shares, “I wrote this song during COVID when I was desperate for adventure. “it`s a subtle way of asking someone if they’re down to stay up all night and see where the night goes.” A track about trying to forget a past love comes with `Till The Hurt Don’t Hurt`. Here the healing comes about by drinking and listening to songs about heartbreak. The lyrics express a desire to numb the pain and move on, even if it means continuing the cycle of drinking and thinking about the past relationship all night.
`Never Cross My Mind` opens with stark piano keys and vocals before the band join to flesh it out. The central character on one hand kind of declares that they`ve moved on but on the other hand have they really? It`s that wonderfully emotive listen where you can come to your own conclusion. Title track `Young & Unafraid` is a dreamy but powerful reflection on fearless adolescent naivety and carefree days.
`Bet The Farm` has a harder rockier edge. The protagonist for me had a kind of arrogant egotistical conceit but maybe that was just my interpretation. We have a contemplative almost soulful musing with `Down to the Eagle` which appears to be about giving a relationship a final chance.
`Not Today` is all about those perfect sunny days where nothing can bother you. A relaxed thoughtful observational piece where you almost feel like you`re there seeing the porch swing swinging in the breeze with the narrator and his partner entwined on it. There`s some delicious organ hues which add a further poignancy to the number. There`s a kind of Steve Earle storytelling vibe to `Leave the Light On`, an affirmation of being there for somebody no matter if or when they`ll feel the need of your support and love.
`Shortcut` has a military drum cadence along with keys and bass that lay a foundation for a touching rumination on love. The release closes out with `Lonely` a rhythmic moving reflection on separation and isolation.
`Young & Unafraid` was my introduction to The Vegabonds and I have to say there was so much to delight in on the ten tracks shared here with some uplifting foot tappers and some more deeply contemplative and introspective musings. If you love bands such as Blackberry Smoke, Whiskey Myers and Kings of Leon, i`m sure you`ll also love The Vegabonds.
Rating 8.5/10
