Return to story

AUGUSTANA DRIVEN TO SUCCEED

May 15, 2008 12:15 am

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.

"It definitely took a while for our last album to get going," said Palomar. "But we were fortunate that radio and video eventually picked up on it. There are definitely two or three songs on this album that could really catch on."

Probably one of the biggest misconceptions about Augustana is the idea that it is solely a piano-rock band. Often drawing comparisons to The Fray and even Ben Folds, Augustana's piano playing is not considered the backbone that keeps the band standing strong. The backbone is simply rock 'n' roll.

"We do keep a pretty laid-back vibe at our shows," said Palomar. "But at the end of the day, it's a rock 'n' roll show. We really only have two or three piano-based songs on our latest album."

It's hard to envision a band renowned for its soft-spoken and heart-wrenching ballads blasting you out of the room. But for a taste of meaningful music coming from a group of guys who actually care about the music itself, one really can't refuse Augustana's offerings.

In his spare time, Palomar noted, he loves going out and supporting some of his favorite smaller bands, just to be around good music and good people. Occasionally he gets recognized, and it freaks him out in a very comforting way.

"It's more encouraging than anything to be recognized and complimented when we're out and about," he said. "We want to stay in this business for a long time, and we will continue to strive to make good music."

Jesse Scott is a freelance writer living in Fairfax. Reach him at
Email: jesserobertscott@gmail.com.