Lineup: Josh Erwin, Michael Paynter. Shares members with: The Packway Handle Band, Lily of the Suburbs. Influences: Talking Heads, Pixies, ’80s/’90s radio pop, Elvis Perkins, Elliott Smith.
Erwin and Paynter of Packway Handle Band started this side project as a means to explore songs outside Packway Handle Band’s bluegrass sound. Although the instrumentation is perhaps similar to classic bluegrass—mandolin, acoustic guitar, vocal harmonies, etc.—the arrangements are a little more diverse. Sans Abri tends to stick with upbeat tempos, playfully exploring folk-, alternative rock- and Americana-inspired melodies, all featuring the duo’s crisp vocal harmonies. Although this project is brand new, Erwin and Paynter have shared the stage for over a decade, so there is an undeniable chemistry and cohesion here, even as the group explores new territory. Find the band on Facebook for more information or listen to a couple of tunes at Reverb Nation.
Next show: Athens Americana Festival, Apr. 21.
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