…The Last Bison make theatrical folk music that refuses to stand still and isn’t afraid to get loud.” – Wondering Sound
To capture the new sounds on The Last Bison’s upcoming album titled VA (out 9/30), the band spent many days and nights in an old A-frame cabin, on the outskirts of the Great Dismal Swamp near the band’s home in Chesapeake, VA. Out of this rustic cabin emerged a collection of music with booming organic drums and energy beyond anything from their previous work. The 11 songs on VA reveal a rejuvenated band relishing in their newfound freedom and returning to their independent roots.
Ben Hardesty, who is the primary songwriter and vocalist, also recorded the drum tracks on the new album. Andrew Benfante, who has played a 1930s reed organ on previous works, adds piano to the layers, and Amos Housworth has expanded from cello to offering all the bass tracks on the project. Dan Hardesty alternates from banjo to mandolin to guitar, while he and Annah Housworth, who plays bells, provide the lush backing vocals. Teresa Totheroh’s violin is the thread that sows the myriad parts together.
Musically Amusing 