The Way Down Wanderers will release their independent sophomore album illusions on 22 February ahead of a string of UK tour dates including Manchester’s Night and Day.
The genre-melding quintet craft stories inspired by the heartland, merging sounds from their musical backgrounds. The Peoria, Illinois, band have constructed the album on a foundation of Americana and bluegrass, featuring multi-part harmonies, occasional spoken word, pop, reggae, classical and jazz. The album is produced by Grammy winner David Schiffman (HAIM, Johnny Cash, Rage Against The Machine).
[adrotate banner=”3″]
The Way Down Wanderers began when former rock drummer Austin Krause-Thompson met classically trained folk instrumentalist/vocalist Collin Krause at the ages of 19 and 15 respectively (the two recently became brothers-in-law). The two lead singers/songwriters were later joined by jazz percussionist John Merikoski, classical bassist John Williams and banjo player Travis Kowalsky.
The band caught the attention of critics and fellow musicians with their self-titled 2016 debut and cemented their acclaim with a string of live performances.
The songs on illusions observe the cycle of life – love, loss and evolution – while looking to the future with hope. From the dreamy reminiscence on the simplicity of youth, to the sense of mourning, to the excitement of new love, the album bridges a raw enthusiasm for life with the sobering reality of how quickly time passes.
When do The Way Down Wanderers headline at Manchester’s Night and Day?
The Way Down Wanderers headline at Night and Day, Manchester, on 8 April 2020. The Manchester gig is one of nine UK dates they are playing:
5 April – Portsmouth, The Square Tower
6 April – Cambridge, Portland Arms
7 April – Glasgow, Hug & Pint
8 April – Manchester, Night and Day
9 April – Saltaire, The Live Room
10 April – Selby, Town Hall
11 April – London, The Lexington
12 April – Bristol, Louisiana
13 April – Sheffield, The Greystones
