Post Newport Folk Fest w/ The Apache Relay

“They've got kind of an Arcade Fire meets boys raised on gospel and Bruce Springsteen approach to what they do, and they're called The Apache Relay. They're a fantastic live band.” -­ Huffington Post

For both the familiar and unfamiliar folk/rock fans, The Apache Relay are more than worth hearing and hearing again.
Formed around 2009 by two Nashville college dorm mates, Michael Ford Jr. [vocals + bass] and Mike Harris [guitar + vocals], started out when Ford Jr. hired Harris' new three piece group [The Apache Relay] as a backing band for one of his live shows.
What seemed like an instant creative connection between Ford Jr. and the trio didn't take long to evolve the group into a four piece.
Their debut LP "1988", released the same year, was produced by Doug Williams who had previously seen great critical love for his work with the Avett Brothers.
The album pinned as one of “The Eight Most Auspicious Musical Debuts of 2009” by Paste Magazine was a successful first attempt by the folk/rock four.
In April, 2011 the guys released their sophomore attempt with American Nomad and picked up fifth member Ben Ford, Michael's brother, as rhythm guitarist and vocalist.
Adding more live shows and feeling the need for a fuller sound brought the addition of Aaron Early on drums and the current line up for the band.

This past Saturday the guys helped kick off The Newport Folk Festival as a now Paste Mag. favorite who included them in their "10 Great Non-Headlining Acts at Newport Folk Festival 2012" write-up on Friday.
Next month the guys have four opening spots with Mumford & Sons' - Gentlemen of the Road Stopover tour.
Check out a stylish look by The Apache Relay performing "American Nomad" back in April
for MR. PORTER...