Published on February 17th, 2014 | by Bret Van Horn

Lincoln’s Beard, “Honorary Sibling”: Americana-laced Folk Rock to Live By

It’s damn-near impossible to spend any time in the Southwest Washington music scene without hearing mention of Lincoln’s Beard. This oft-revered folk/rock outfit has been wooing audiences since 2006, and after a number of notable achievements (including 2-year residencies at both The White Eagle and Secret Society in Portland) have their fourth album coming out this month through Music Millennium’s Vaquero Management arm.

The album itself is a cohesive blend of acoustic sounds, tastefully effected guitars, and a rhythm section that carries it all forth for your consideration and enjoyment. Kristopher Chrisopulos’ whiskey-soaked vocals, somehow smooth and gravelly at the same time, ride atop the often lush and ambitious soundscapes carved out by the rest of the band.

While the album is clearly rooted in folk and americana rock, guitarist Aram Arslanian manages to sneak in several unexpected sounds that succeed in giving the music its own identity, blending folk with more progressive guitars. From Tom Waits-style brooding bluesy ballads, to upbeat Tom Petty-esque rockers, Lincoln’s Beard has covered all the bases. The mix of background instrumentation and sounds creates a notion of, “We’re going to do whatever we want here, genres-be-damned. And you’re going to like it.” And for Lincoln’s Beard fans—old and new—there is plenty to like. Somehow, with all of the diversity of the album, the band carries a common mood throughout, one that is unmistakably Lincoln’s Beard. And there’s nothing wrong with that at all.

Check out their Vancouver record release show at Brickhouse on Friday, March 7th, at 9 p.m.