"Release Your Shrouds" Review
Sometimes, the vocalist's prowess is enough to elevate a band from the ranks of their contemporaries. But it's not just Lindsay Lou's vocals that will make Release Your Shrouds the latest addition to your music collection.
The tight-knit lyrics and infectious joy in The Flatbellys' songs will make you stop whatever you're doing and cock an ear. The band's skill is breath-taking, and it's obvious through their playing that there is nothing they'd rather do more than come together and make music.
Drawing from Americana and early twentieth-century music, Lindsay Lou and the Flatbellys firmly place themselves within the continuity of American music without sounding self-conscious, as many of the bands who try to capture this sound do. No -- this is just who they are.
The group's upbeat songwriting and positive ethos towards life is refreshing in this day and age of urban twenty-somethings like myself trying (inexplicably) to compare themselves to Dustbowl farmers during the Depression. Rather than painting Americans as long-suffering and full of grit, Release Your Shrouds reminds us of the relentless optimism that is the aspect of the "American character" that we should keep close to our hearts.
-Adobe and Teardrops
The tight-knit lyrics and infectious joy in The Flatbellys' songs will make you stop whatever you're doing and cock an ear. The band's skill is breath-taking, and it's obvious through their playing that there is nothing they'd rather do more than come together and make music.
Drawing from Americana and early twentieth-century music, Lindsay Lou and the Flatbellys firmly place themselves within the continuity of American music without sounding self-conscious, as many of the bands who try to capture this sound do. No -- this is just who they are.
The group's upbeat songwriting and positive ethos towards life is refreshing in this day and age of urban twenty-somethings like myself trying (inexplicably) to compare themselves to Dustbowl farmers during the Depression. Rather than painting Americans as long-suffering and full of grit, Release Your Shrouds reminds us of the relentless optimism that is the aspect of the "American character" that we should keep close to our hearts.
-Adobe and Teardrops
|
Double-Sided One-Sheet (pdf)
|
Blank Tour Poster (pdf)
|
Stage Plot
(pdf) 
|
Download hi-res photo of the band (jpeg)
Photo Credit: Michael Erlewine
|
|
Selected Press Quotes and Reviews
"Lindsay Lou and The Flatbellys bring new life to bluegrass. Sweet and charming vocals along with exceptional musical chops will keep you wanting more."
DAVE BRUZZA - GUITARIST FOR AWARD WINNING JAMGRASS BAND, GREENSKY BLUEGRASS
"Lindsay really puts her heart into what she sings and how! She sings the way you would want to if'n you could. Phrasing, tone, emotion, it's all there. Effortless seemingly. Simply mesmerizing. Riveting! Don't miss the musical force that is Lindsay Lou."
DAVID GRIER - THREE TIME IBMA GUITAR PLAYER OF THE YEAR
"As a vocalist, Lindsay falls into an elite category - those who can sing anything you throw their way. I've known and have been fortunate to have worked with a few of these individuals over the years: Charlie Waller, Keith Whitley, Linda Williams & Moondi Klein, to name a few and attribute that association to my having developed into a more well-rounded player. Lindsay will have that effect on the players around her as well, while she is honing her already sharp vocal skills and recording new material which should please any 'well-rounded listener'. Check her out and you'll hear for yourself what I'm saying!"
JIMMY GAUDREAU - REPUTABLE MANDOLIN MAVERICK
"If you are looking for ancient and soulful tones with a modern rootsy twist, that is exactly what you'll find when listening to Lindsay Lou & the Flatbellys. Putting on their CD it reminds me of listening to an old 45 RPM. Each song is unique, entertaining, and flows easily into the listener's ears. Lindsay and the boys will surely win your heart!"
CAROLINE COLIE - FOUNDER OF ACOUSTIC TRAIL INC., PAGOSA SPRINGS, CO
Once in awhile you hear a record and think “This couldn’t be new. It sounds timeless.” When I hear Lindsay Lou sing and the Flatbellys play, I am transported to another time. Lindsay’s voice is among the most beautiful, authentic, and classic sounding you will ever hear. – JOHN BOMMARITO - ANN ARBOR'S 107ONE (WQKL-FM)
"Lindsay Lou and the Flatbelly's are an ideal festival band. They can rock the stages with their heartfelt, rootsy sound and offer wonderful workshops as well as invigorate campground and campfire song circles. At the Earthwork Harvest Gathering this year, they were a favorite of the attendees because of their fantastic performances, and they were also a favorite of the festival organizers because they pitched in with volunteer work and spread music and good cheer the whole time they were here."
SETH BERNARD - MUSICIAN & FOUNDER OF EARTHWORK MUSIC
DAVE BRUZZA - GUITARIST FOR AWARD WINNING JAMGRASS BAND, GREENSKY BLUEGRASS
"Lindsay really puts her heart into what she sings and how! She sings the way you would want to if'n you could. Phrasing, tone, emotion, it's all there. Effortless seemingly. Simply mesmerizing. Riveting! Don't miss the musical force that is Lindsay Lou."
DAVID GRIER - THREE TIME IBMA GUITAR PLAYER OF THE YEAR
"As a vocalist, Lindsay falls into an elite category - those who can sing anything you throw their way. I've known and have been fortunate to have worked with a few of these individuals over the years: Charlie Waller, Keith Whitley, Linda Williams & Moondi Klein, to name a few and attribute that association to my having developed into a more well-rounded player. Lindsay will have that effect on the players around her as well, while she is honing her already sharp vocal skills and recording new material which should please any 'well-rounded listener'. Check her out and you'll hear for yourself what I'm saying!"
JIMMY GAUDREAU - REPUTABLE MANDOLIN MAVERICK
"If you are looking for ancient and soulful tones with a modern rootsy twist, that is exactly what you'll find when listening to Lindsay Lou & the Flatbellys. Putting on their CD it reminds me of listening to an old 45 RPM. Each song is unique, entertaining, and flows easily into the listener's ears. Lindsay and the boys will surely win your heart!"
CAROLINE COLIE - FOUNDER OF ACOUSTIC TRAIL INC., PAGOSA SPRINGS, CO
Once in awhile you hear a record and think “This couldn’t be new. It sounds timeless.” When I hear Lindsay Lou sing and the Flatbellys play, I am transported to another time. Lindsay’s voice is among the most beautiful, authentic, and classic sounding you will ever hear. – JOHN BOMMARITO - ANN ARBOR'S 107ONE (WQKL-FM)
"Lindsay Lou and the Flatbelly's are an ideal festival band. They can rock the stages with their heartfelt, rootsy sound and offer wonderful workshops as well as invigorate campground and campfire song circles. At the Earthwork Harvest Gathering this year, they were a favorite of the attendees because of their fantastic performances, and they were also a favorite of the festival organizers because they pitched in with volunteer work and spread music and good cheer the whole time they were here."
SETH BERNARD - MUSICIAN & FOUNDER OF EARTHWORK MUSIC
