January 2024 saw the release of an album that has quietly become a folk-bluegrass masterpiece. Songs Before They Write Themselves by Holler Choir emerged from Asheville with the soul-stirring grit of Appalachia. This record is layered with introspective lyrics and harmonies that draw the listener in—a nostalgic yet refreshing take on Americana that’s becoming rare in the mainstream. Led by Clint Roberts, whose vocals cut through with rugged authenticity, Holler Choir is putting their mark on the evolving folk scene. It’s no wonder fans and critics alike have crowned this record as the standout album of early 2024.
The Album’s Roots: An Appalachian Backbone
At the heart of Songs Before They Write Themselves is a deep connection to Appalachian heritage. While so many artists choose to dabble in folk with just a sprinkle of authenticity, Holler Choir dives in with raw, deliberate soundscapes that honor the region’s musical history. The band worked out of Asheville’s famed Echo Mountain Recording Studio, a venue renowned for capturing the timeless warmth of acoustic music. This environment brought a layered, warm sound to the album that feels both modern and ancient, reflecting the Appalachian backbone of traditional string music.
The album’s production was helmed by Grammy-winning multi-instrumentalist Michael Ashworth, who has worked to preserve the group’s organic sound. His contributions help Songs Before They Write Themselves maintain a balance between complexity and simplicity—a nod to bluegrass while inviting newer folk-rock influences. This dynamic, rooted in tradition and infused with contemporary sensibilities, is at the heart of what makes Holler Choir’s album so captivating.
Lyrical Craftsmanship: A Journey Through Life’s Peaks and Valleys
Songs Before They Write Themselves is as much an album of storytelling as it is of musicianship. Roberts’ lyrics, paired with the dulcet harmonies and banjo mastery of Helena Rose, delve into universal themes with a refreshing twist. The track “Heart-Shaped Box” is a standout; the band reimagines Nirvana’s classic with a haunting vulnerability, channeling life’s complexities in a way few cover songs achieve. It’s a rare feat, melding the essence of grunge with Appalachian sensibility without ever feeling forced. It’s as if Kurt Cobain’s spirit took a trip down to Asheville, guitar in hand, to join the session.
Songs like “Mountain to Mend” and “Unwritten Verse” present themes of resilience, yearning, and introspection, resonating especially with listeners who seek music that doesn’t shy away from life’s rough edges. But for all the poetic, sometimes melancholy verses, Holler Choir manages to inject a sense of lightheartedness and adventure into their sound, as if they’re saying, “Yes, life is tough, but it’s worth singing about.” This spirit of endurance and hope speaks to the Appalachian ethos and gives the album a timeless quality that’s rare in today’s music scene.
Musical Layers: Where Tradition Meets Innovation
The instrumental arrangements on Songs Before They Write Themselves are where Holler Choir’s strengths truly shine. Beyond Roberts’ vocals and Rose’s banjo, the upright bass lines of Norbert McGettigan add depth and texture, while other collaborators weave in fiddle, guitar, and percussive elements that make each track feel like a full journey. The sound isn’t just Appalachian folk—it’s Appalachian folk reimagined with a contemporary ear. It’s bluegrass meets indie, with each note paying homage to the genre’s roots while also pushing it into new territories.
One of the most thrilling aspects of the album is how the band doesn’t rely on big, showy moments. There are no over-the-top crescendos or dramatic vocalizations to try and reel the listener in. Instead, Holler Choir trusts the natural, unadorned beauty of their music, which is a refreshing change in a genre often dominated by grandiose productions. Each track feels like a discovery, rewarding the listener with subtle complexities that unravel with each listen.
Why Songs Before They Write Themselves Stands Out in 2024
In a sea of heavily produced and digitally mastered music, Holler Choir’s January 2024 release feels like a breath of fresh mountain air. The band’s commitment to keeping their music real—capturing the imperfect, human element that so often gets lost in today’s recording process—is one of the reasons this album resonates so deeply. There’s a raw honesty in Songs Before They Write Themselves that appeals to listeners looking for something with substance, something that feels lived-in and familiar.
Perhaps the most significant thing Holler Choir achieves is reminding us of the power of music rooted in tradition. In a world where genres are constantly shifting and blending, Songs Before They Write Themselves manages to bridge the gap between past and present. The songs hold a mirror to life’s struggles and joys without filtering them through glossy, overly refined sounds. This realness, this commitment to authenticity, is why the album is quickly becoming a favorite for fans of both traditional bluegrass and modern folk.
A Promising Start to 2024 for Americana and Folk Music
As January’s most popular album, Holler Choir’s Songs Before They Write Themselves sets a high standard for what 2024’s folk and Americana scene might deliver. With its nod to tradition and embrace of contemporary soundscapes, the album feels poised to be remembered as a cornerstone of the genre this year. It’s an album that doesn’t just play on your speakers—it lives in the room with you, filling it with the kinds of stories and melodies that stick long after the music fades.
There’s an unspoken promise in the music of Holler Choir: they’re not here to capitalize on folk trends or chase fleeting fame. They’re here to create music that resonates deeply, music that reflects their experiences and honors their roots. In a world where so many artists play it safe, Holler Choir’s commitment to creative integrity and emotional resonance shines through. If Songs Before They Write Themselves is any indication, the folk and bluegrass landscape is in for a treat in 2024.
