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AUGUSTANA DRIVEN TO SUCCEED

Augustana tries to move from one-hit-wonder status to established pop-rock fame

Date published: 5/15/2008

BY JESSE SCOTT

FOR THE FREE LANCE-STAR

Even while dealing with a broken-down tour bus somewhere out in rural Idaho, Jared Palomar kept the same cool that has made his band cherished by so many.

Eventually, a white rental van came and rescued Palomar and his Augustana band mates and got them safely to their evening gig in Boise. Hopefully they'll have a little better luck on the relentless asphalt when they make their way to the 9:30 Club in Washington next Thursday and Richmond's The National on Sunday, May 25.

"Despite the mishap today, it's good to be back on the road," laughed Palomar (vocalist, bassist and keyboradist) in a phone interview from Augustana's newly acquired rental van. "We definitely welcome the change of pace, and we are happy to produce a second record for our fans."

The San Diego, Calif., quintet (consisting of vocalist and pianist Dan Layus, guitarist Chris Sachtleben, keyboardist John Vincent, drummer Justin South and Palomar) gained national fame for its poppy, dramatic, piano-infused smash "Boston" in 2005. The single went platinum, while its accompanying album, "All the Stars and Boulevards," sold more than 300,000 copies.

Now the band finds itself in the middle of a massive nationwide tour in support of its sophomore full-length album for Epic Records, "Can't Love, Can't Hurt." In what is a stressful, make-or-break time for most bands on the verge of being labeled a "one-hit wonder," Augustana sure is taking everything in stride.

"It's cool being able to have three-plus years to work through these songs," said Palomar. "We were able to work with these songs to make them the way we want them, so we can communicate our music clearly."

Clearly, this album is communicating to a lot of people out there. "Can't Love, Can't Hurt" debuted on the Billboard 200 at No. 21. Its first single, "Sweet and Low," has the same type of irresistible piano hook that made "Boston" a huge success.

For now, it seems to be another suspenseful waiting game before pop-radio devotees ultimately catch on to "Sweet and Low," and start churning it out in mass portions across America's airwaves.

What: Augustana headlines with Wild Sweet Orange and David Ford Where: 9:30 Club, 815 V St. N.W., Washington When: Thursday, May 22; 7:30 p.m. Cost: $15 Info: 202/265-0930 Web: 930.com What: Augustana, Wild Sweet Orange and Five Tome August Where: The National, 708 E. Broad St., Richmond When: Sunday, May 25; 7 p.m. Cost: $12.50 Info: 804/612-1900 Web: thenationalva.com

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Date published: 5/15/2008