The Avett Brothers Thrilled New Jersey, Now Rev Up for Boston Calling

The Avett Brothers Review |The Buzz

By Erin Schroeter

Published on 09–02–2015

Photo courtesy of the Avett Brothers

No matter the song or performance, the Avett Brothers will undoubtedly take any listener on a whimsical journey filled with banjos, cellos, violins and plenty of foot-stompin’ magic.

The band is currently on its self-booked U.S. tour, and while they will be headlining Boston Calling in September, they first made an appearance “down the shore” in New Jersey.

On Sunday, August 16, the Avett Brothers made their mark on the Jersey Shore at its legendary venue on the beach, The Stone Pony.

“The atmosphere at this show just feeds my anticipation to see the Avett Brothers,” local NJ resident and attendee Michelle Ingarra (22) said pre-performance. “As if being at such a staple Jersey venue isn’t enough, the beautiful sunset backdrop makes this particular show almost too good to be true. The Avett Brothers are so special — their music is so raw and genuine. This is my second time seeing them live and I know it’s going to be a treat.”

Most Avett Brother tracks are relatable and catchy, attracting attendees of all ages. Combining bluegrass and folk/roots music with punk and pop melodies, the Avett Brothers create an earthy, fun-loving sound, with introspective lyrics sure to catch the ear of any listener.

“This is my first Avett Brothers concert, and seeing these guys live brought me back to the days when I first started making music,” resident and concert attendee Alex Scibetta (55) said. “The way they all feed off each other is amazing — they really know how to rock. This show, and their music, reminds me of being by a campfire with a few good friends and family, playing music and just having a blast!”

This folk rock band of North Carolina is a family in itself — brothers Seth and Scott Avett have made music together since childhood, but it was not until the early 2000s that the Avett Brothers became what they are today.

With the brothers on lead vocals, guitar and banjo, Bob Crawford on the double bass, Joe Kwon on the cello, Tania Elizabeth on the violin, Mike Marsh on the drums and Paul Defiglia on the piano, the whole group is bound together musically.

Seth and Scott often share vocals, making their lyrics feel almost conversational with on-par tunes thrown in the mix. Combined with other sonic facets such as string instruments, organs and harmonium, the Avett sound is always tactfully woven together.

Guaranteed from an Avett live performance is a taste of every album, which truly demonstrates their immeasurable talent. Attendees at Boston Calling can expect to hear tracks from their newest 2013 album Magpie and the Dandelion, while they will also perform oldies — but still goodies — from legendary albums I and Love and You, Emotionalism, Mignonette and even Four Thieves Gone.

“[I had] never really heard this band prior to tonight, and [the amazing time] I just had says a lot about the energy and talent of the Avett Brothers, as well as their ability to connect with their crowd,” Jersey local and Stone Pony attendant Greg Spies (22) said. “Whether that crowd is full of die-hard fans or first timers like me, they radiate energy and passion.”

Both newcomers and regular attendees of the Avett experience should expect a lively Boston Calling performance from the headliner that will pull on the heart strings, but also provoke jumping and dancing with hands held high.