Aaron Austin and his counterintuitive compatriots, the Bootleg Preachers have a penchant for paradox and an abiding confidence in mystery. They stir up rootsy Americana tunes with a touch of twang and truckload of contemplation. If it weren’t for legal stipulations, they might be called Shawn Mullins and the Barenaked Vigilantes of Love.
A self-proclaimed late-bloomer, Aaron has spent decades learning to weave the threads of beauty and sorrow into text and tunes. It takes time for these things to steep, and the Preachers are a seasoned crew who bring joyous fervor to each note.
Though A Glorious Mess is Aaron and the Preachers’ first release, the lengthy distillation of their verse and sound belies this recent debut. Hope and candor have mingled to produce a thoughtful brew unafraid to question established moorings and brave enough to believe.
The Bootleg Preachers appear in a variety of permutations, from small acoustic duos to an alt-country band with a full rhythm section and a small choir. The Preachers’ repertoire is just as varied, with minimalist folk songs, bluesy meanderings, and some good ol’ rock and roll. They’re ready to bring their glorious mess anywhere there are ears to listen.
