Fresh and Familiar
Charlotte’s New Familiars to play in Boone and Blowing Rock

By Chris Lucas

From the foothills of Charlotte, comes a fresh musical combo known as The New Familiars. With music that is steeped in folk and bluegrass, yet undeniably shaped by rock and roll, this band will have any listener tapping their foot to the harmony and multi-instrumental talent these five gentlemen bring to the stage.

Their current EP “The Storm” is an album that assaults the listener with the pleasant sounds of Appalachia, using traditional instruments such as the acoustic guitar, stand-up bass, mandolin and generous portions of harmonica. Songs like “Got This Disease” and “Walkin’ the Whiskey Blues” illicit images of a few guys playing on the street corner, hoping for appreciative listeners to drop a few cents in the hat. The title track “The Storm” is a fast paced endeavor that has a bluegrass jam band feel to it. The final track on the EP is “Tongue Tied” is chocked full of emotion that also brings a slower tempo to balance the overall feel of the album.

‘Creative Loafing’ out of Charlotte named them “Best Local Band of 2008” saying “The band’s take on Americana and folk gets infused with a good bit of rock ethic and rhythms that can give you goose bumps.”

The band describes their songwriting as “folk music to the core” but seem to be stretching the boundaries of the genre. Since their debut in late 2006, each member of The New Familiars has brought multitudes of musical influences that constantly builds upon their choice of traditional instruments, yet glimpses of new material promises broader musical horizons all while reinforcing the unique sounds that defines them.

All of these elements combined with their intense live shows serve as a sign to one clear statement: The New Familiars are a powerful swell in a new wave of honest, roots-derived rock music sweeping the nation.

The band is currently touring in support of their EP “The Storm” and their recently released 7” vinyl, featuring a re-interpretation of Smokey Robinson’s classic “My Girl.” The New Familiars will be making appearances in the High Country for two separate shows. The band will be playing first on Nov.13 at the Boone Saloon at 10 p.m. in downtown Boone and on Dec.6 at Canyons in Blowing Rock. More information about the band can be found at their web site www.myspace.com/thenewfamiliars.