What We’re Made Of – The Washboard Union Album Review & YouTube Space Experience
The Washboard Union have made fans happy with the release of their second album, What We’re Made Of to the world.
After the success the trio experienced with their 2015 EP, In My Bones, and the following of fans they accumulated from coast-to-coast, the time was right to release a collection of 12 songs. The rollout of What We’re Made Of started slowly back in June 2017 with the release of Shine and has culminated now with the full drop.
On Thursday night in Toronto, on the eve of the album release, Aaron, Chris, and David came to the YouTube Space studios to play an intimate show for about 100 fans, while simultaneously streaming it out to the world on their YT Channel. The boys (backed by their dudes on guitar, bass, and drums) were in good spirits as they played six of the 12 songs from the new record, plus two favourites from In My Bones.
The small crowd in Toronto was receptive and engaged, and the band smiled and danced as they sang on the small stage.
Note: We were lucky enough to have this be our second preview of the album, after our hangout with the band in February at BATL Toronto and Cherry Street Bar-B-Que.
It was clear that the new songs went over well, and when there were chances to clap along, it didn’t take long for that to catch on. And, at the end of the set when The Washboard Union dipped into their bag of hits for Shot Of Glory and Maybe It’s The Moonshine, the fans went to a new level with them, singing along just a little bit louder with the band.
The Washboard Union YouTube Space Toronto Setlist
Shine ? She Gets Me ? What We’re Made Of ? Wild Angel ? Feel Like That ? Keep You Crazy ? Shot Of Glory ? Maybe It’s The Moonshine
Hit play and watch the full stream to get a little taste of what The Washboard Union are going to look and sound like on stage with their new music this festival season!
The Washboard Union described making their new album as a chance to stretch their legs. They wrote 35 songs for the project before paring it down to a tight 12 track record for release. And while there’s a big part of us that wants to hear the 23 songs that didn’t make the final tracklist, we’re certainly happy with the ones that made the cut.
From Shine at the top to Be Mine at the end of the album, The Washboard Union have packed What We’re Made Of with songs that allow country music fans to sing along, have a good time, and just enjoy the music that’s flowing through their speakers.
The same musical elements that fans loved in their introduction to the band are still here on the new project. The harmonies, guitars, mandolin, banjo, steady rhythm, and yes, the washboard all come together to seamlessly. It’s a continuity that allows for new music, and new expression while keeping everyone in the fold and moving forward with what everyone already loves.
Note: I have a soft spot for She Gets Me. Mostly because of the line “She’s a Dallas Cowgirl, Sunday nights, got her jersey on, can of cold Bud Light”. As a Cowboys fan, that’s all I need to hear to know I love this song.
When asked about the songs on the album, the band talks about them as the representation of the moments that they’ve experienced over the last few years. Since the release of In My Bones, the boys have been touring nearly non-stop, and from those travels, and the living of life that has happened in that time, have come these songs and stories.
On the YouTube stream, Aaron says “It’s not those big graduation moments or birthdays, or births, deaths. All those are very important, but it’s also about these small things along the way…”, and in listening to the music, and hearing the band talk freely about the songs, it’s clear that they have an understanding and appreciation for those little moments.
On the whole, The Washboard Union’s What We’re Made Of is a 12 song, 40 minute good time. It’s a country music album that fans of the band, and those who still need an introduction to their music, can put on and listen to all the way through.
This album is going to produce radio singles, fan favourites, and memorable moments for the band and their fans.
And in the end, it’s those moments that matter most.
Washboard Union, What We’re Made Of Tracklist
1. Shine
2. What We’re Made Of
3. Livin Outta Livin
4. She Gets Me
5. Wild Angel
6. I’ll Go Mine
7. Feel Like That
8. Keep You Crazy
9. Good To You
10. One Of Those
11. He Ain’t Got You
12. Be Mine
Photos of The Washboard Union at Toronto’s YouTube Space
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