Why’d You Have to Go?
As of late, I’ve slipped into one of those stupid nostalgic and depressing moods that like to hang around during the holidays. In attempt to cultivate this feeling, I’ve been listening to a lot of happy sounding sad songs. After putting together that Non-Celebrity Happy Holiday Mix I became pretty obsessed with learning more about the band that put together the first song; Volunteer Pioneer. .
The songs are tragic and beautiful, but after reading a little about them, specifically the harpist Sabrina Duim, their story is tragic and beautiful as well. Kyle Williams and Sabrina Duim got together in 2004 to form Volunteer Pioneer. Later they added drummer Jason Byers to compliment the acoustic guitar + harp sound. Before the band really got to shine, Sabrina died suddenly.
It’s rare that I’ve heard and loved a band with a full time harpist. They pull it off really well, and in fact you can sort of hear a bit of Wolf Parade, or the new Arcade Fire album in their sounds, and this is nearly four years old. I’m pretty ashamed that I am getting into their sound so late. It does certainly put things in perspective.
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[audio:https://thenewlofi.com/wp-content/audio/2010/12/volunteer_pioineer-tiny_violent_town.mp3|titles= Volunteer Pioneer – Tiny Violent Town]
Volunteer Pioneer – Tiny Violent Town
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[audio:https://thenewlofi.com/wp-content/audio/2010/12/volunteer_pioineer-fear_of_cholera.mp3|titles= Volunteer Pioneer – Fear Of Cholera]
Volunteer Pioneer – Fear Of Cholera
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[audio:https://thenewlofi.com/wp-content/audio/2010/12/volunteer_pioineer-separate_planes.mp3|titles= Volunteer Pioneer – Separate Planes]
Volunteer Pioneer – Separate Planes
