It’s quite refreshing to find great beauty in simplicity. And the timeless adage “less is more” absolutely applies to the music of The Hems.
Originally based in Houston, Dusty McClellan and Jamie Zanelotti made the move to Austin in 2010 for more musical inspiration. They were playing with a roots rock band when it dawned on them: They preferred something more minimal, stylistically, along the lines of The Carter Family. The tracks on their release Those Early Years are stripped down and quite beautiful, drawing a lot from early country and roots music.
Be sure to catch The Hems’ early show Tuesday night at The White Horse, 500 Comal St. It’s a happy hour set that starts at 7 p.m. If you can hang out later, see Elana James’ Band at 10 p.m., followed by Jimmie Dreams at midnight. Recommended.
