We Are the Willows

For fans of Bon Iver, The Weepies, Eastmountainsouth, Luray, First Aid Kit, and Nickel Creek, I recommend checking out We Are the Willows' Picture [Portrait]. The album's described beautifully on their website:

"The band has recently recorded their second full-length album, Picture [Portrait], based off of 350 letters written by Peter’s grandfather to his grandmother while he was stationed in the Southwest Pacific during World War II. Their correspondence inspired Peter to explore themes of family, separation, life, death, and identity in a time of national and personal crisis. The songs communicate complex ideas delivered with pop-sensible charm. His grandmother loves this album. You just might too."

In an email letter I just wrote to the band, I stated, "Being from Wisconsin (Lake Geneva then Madison) allows me that extra level of connection with your work; there's something melancholic-yet-wholesomely Midwestern in the way you spin musical yarns."

Want to watch the video that got Gus and me hooked? You can check out "Dear Ms. Branstner" here:

http://www.wearethewillows.com/watch/

~N.

p.s. Isn't the cover artwork by Emilie Robinson divine?