This Is the Year

To say it simply, this is yet another fantastic album from one of the best bands since we've been calling a group of musicans a "BAND"!!! I had the great fortune to see Yarn a few years back here in St. Petersburg Fl.. All becuase they were driving through the area on there way to a paying gig and called one of our local venues and asked if they could play for free on there off night. They put on one hell of a show. Afterwards my friend and I stuck around to talk to the band and of course buy one of every CD they had on hand. And since then we have joyously spread the word of this hard working and talented band.

With the release of “This is the Year,” Yarn take a delightfully upbeat turn while still maintaining what we have come to expect from the band: Masterfully crafted quality music. This enjoyable album is ripe with optimism. The band, despite internal changes has proved that sometimes less is more and it’s current lineup of Blake Christiana, Rod Hohl, Rick Bugel, Bobby Bonhomme and Trevor MacArthur is true alchemy, weaving life experiences into musical gold. Blake Christiana’s powers of observation and deep insight into the human condition remain ever present in all his songs and his ability to put forth lyrics with emotion, intelligence and a delightful sense of humor are one of the trademark’s of his work. This album is to be enjoyed and savored. With “This is the Year” Yarn proves, once again that they can weather the storms of life and come out on top. Like fine aged bourbon, this album goes down smooth, with an immediate awakening of the senses and a somewhat dangerously addicting quality. Indeed, if you are fortunate enough to see Yarn live, you will find yourself forever craving more. “This is the Year:” this is the album... grab it.

Yarn nailed it with "This is the Year"! One of the best produced albums this listener has had the pleasure of hearing in over a decade. The song writing combined with melody takes the listener on a journey of love, loss, trails and tribulations and positive vibrations. "This is the Year" is a must have for any music lover. Yarn is a band on the rise....

Have to listen to a song before I begin my work day. Love Carolina Heart. Everyone can relate to it!

With this new release, Yarn is proving what their long time fans, Yarnians, have known all along... that years of touring and writing only makes them fresher and better! Blake Christiana is a superb songwriter and story teller and other band members, Roderick Hohl, Robert (Bobby) Bonhomme and Rick Bugel are consumate musicians in their own right. This album (and their live shows) solidify that this band is at the top of their game. The album is the perfect blend of heartfelt ballads such as "I Let You Down" and "Fallin'" and traditional sing alongs such as "I'm the Man" and "Long Way to Texas". Sandwiched in between are crowd favorites such as "Carolina Heart", Love/Hate, Sweet Dolly, and the title track "This Is The Year". Purchase this album and enjoy it.... and if they tour in your area, RUN...don't walk to catch them live!

Life happens. These guys have scaled back (as far as members) and this album proves its for the better. They've always gave you a glimpse into the life of a musician. The good, the bad, the seedy, etc... Having said that, they are finally truly who they are. The songs and the lyrics stand out more, the playing is impeccable, and I can't find a bad song. They are forever welcome in the south.

These guys have so much momentum right now! Often times, when a band goes through a period of restructuring, they struggle for a while; not these guys. They have reinvented themselves quickly, and proven that a little fussin’ & fightin' can’t stop them from rockin’ all night long! A brilliant record! Great songs! Great playing! Great sounds! It’s a little early to say it’s one of the best independently released records of the year, or is it…?

This CD has a lot of heart. Great driving music. It really flows, great job boys!

So often when one listens to an album, you find a few songs you like enough to download. That is not the case with "This is the year" It is great from beginning to end. I have been a fan of Blake Christiana's music since he was playing small bars in NYC with his previous band, Blake and the Family Dog. While I have enjoyed all his albums, this one is something special!

This band rocks and this new album is incredible. They also play one of the best live shows I've ever seen. Amazing!!